Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis

Athletes running in a triathlon

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

HEEL Pain or Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most commonly treated conditions by podiatrists.

Plantar Fasciitis can present in different ways depending on the individual person, however is often noted as sharp, stabbing, burning, throbbing or aching sensation underneath or on the inside of the heel. 

Pain associated with plantar fasciitis is often felt when first weight bearing in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain often improves as it ‘warms up’ or after a few minutes of activity. Pain is also aggravated by flat or unsupportive footwear, changes in footwear or changes in activity.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury or inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a thick band of connective tissue which supports the arch of the foot.
 

Stresses on the plantar fascia are increased with any of or a combination of the following:

• Excessive pronation or rolling in of the foot
• Rigid high arched foot that struggles to absorb shock
• Flat soled or unsupportive footwear
• Increases in weight-bearing activity
• Excessive muscle tightness
• Standing on feet for many hours a day - particularly on hard surfaces
• Repetative activities such as walking and running
• Changes from high-heeled to flatter footwear
• Plus many more contributing factors.....

Plantar fasciitis usually develops as a result of many of the above factors interacting. Therefore it is important to determine which factors are contributing to the occurance of pain in your particular case and address all of them accordingly.
 

Plantar FasciitisTreatment

Leah can take you through a thorough history and assessment in order to build a treatment plan appropriate for your individual needs. This may include things such as stretching, anti-inflammatory treatments, orthotics, footwear changes and activity modifications.