HEEL PAIN – PLANTAR FASCIITIS

The heel pain which just HURTS and stops us having fun.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain. It is estimated that this problem is involved in approximately 11-15% of all foot complaints requiring medical attention and it is a very common condition we see in our clinic.

The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is attached to the heel bone and connects to each of the toes thus providing strength and support to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this band of tissue gets strained or irritated and the pain signals a change in the ability of the fascia to adapt to tissue tension and load on weight bearing.

Do you wake up with heel pain?

The pain is usually most noticeable first thing in the morning or after you have been sitting for a while. Although the pain may decrease with activity, it tends to return at the end of the day, so it may be noticeable after a walk or run or even when standing for long periods. The pain is usually sharp at first, and it may decrease or mellow with use.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

In general, plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury and occurs when the plantar fascia is injured from too much pressure but there is often no clear cause or triggering event.  In fact most of the more complex cases probably have a combination of causes and there is no simple answer for every occurrence.

• Too much or not enough variation in activity
• High impact sport – running / jumping
• Tight calves
• Foot and calf muscle weakness
• Foot mechanics
• Heel spurs
• Overweight

Do not be discouraged and let it linger

While the research supports a combination of therapies, over a single treatment or placebo, there is not, at present, any clear evidence for the choice of one combination of therapies over another in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. A multitude of therapies are available for this condition and ninety percent of patients will improve with one, or a combination, of approaches.

It is important to find which solution is going to work for you.

• Identification of any biomechanical or training factors which may be contributing to your injury.
• If a clear trigger can be identified, such as a sudden increase in high-impact exercise, then decreasing the amount of physical activity will be helpful.
• Daily stretching of the plantar fascia and the calf muscles.
• Ice applied to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time 2 to 3 times per day.
• Wearing shoes with good arch supports, taping the bottom of the feet or using foot orthotics can also provide the additional foot support needed to retrain natural foot flexibility.

If pain persists, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECST) or steroid injections may be given into the foot to reduce the pain.

GET STARTED and get the SPRING back in your step

All our Physiotherapists enjoy an active lifestyle and can work with you to find a plan which allows you to keep active and find the exercise and treatment options to get you back on track.

You may only need one consultation to set up a home exercise and activity management program or recommendation for orthotic support.

Call Lilyfield Physio on 9810 2203 for more information or to book an appointment to get your recovery underway.