Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.
The plantar fascia is a ligamentous band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of your foot to stabilize underlying structures and support the arch of your foot. Injury to the plantar fascia, such as bruising or overstretching, can cause inflammation of this ligament resulting in heel pain (often described as a ‘stabbing’ pain). The pain can be experienced in one or both feet and is often worse first thing in the morning or after rest.
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people, but is also common in younger individuals who are highly active – such as athletes or soldiers.
Risk factors for strain to the plantar fascia include:
- Your feet roll inward when you walk (excessive pronation)
- You have high arches or flat feet.
- You walk, stand, run for long periods (especially on hard surfaces).
- You are overweight.
- You have ill-fitting shoes or unsupportive shoes.
- You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.
Chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia can result in the development of a bony growth or spur. Spurs can only be seen on an x-ray, but its presence can often be flagged by tenderness at the heel or sole of your foot. The spur itself does not cause pain, but may be the cause of excessive inflammation and an increase in pain.
My Podiatrist offers a variety of treatments to ease and eliminate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis including:
- Shockwave Therapy
- Custom-Made orthotics to support the foot.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Professional strapping.
- Provision of flexibility exercises.
- Gait analysis to detect and correct abnormalities.
- Medical grade Footwear