Do you suffer from heel pain?
Updated: Apr 14
When you get heel pain it can stop you in your tracks. It can put an end to your daily activities like walking the dog, doing your shopping, going to the gym, or joining your friends in an exercise class. Sometimes heel pain can go away quite quickly and sometimes it lasts for many months and even a couple of years.
There are many causes of heel pain. Probably the most common type we see in our clinic is Plantar Fasciitis.
This type of heel pain is at its worst when first getting out of bed in the morning or after having a period of rest. It can ease off as the day goes on but then often returns again if you have been on your feet for too long.
The Plantar Fascia is a strong band of fibrous tissue that originates from the medial and lateral tubercles on the plantar (bottom)surface of the Calcaneum (heel bone) and runs forward to insert into the Phalanges (toe bones). It covers the whole plantar aspect of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis is a result of irritation to the Plantar Fascia where it attaches to the heel bone: usually at the medial tubercle (medial being towards the inner side of the foot). It often only affects one foot but can affect both at the same time.
This irritation occurs as a result of unaccustomed activity. Some examples might be: starting the gym or other activities that you are not used to; changing from a desk job to a more active job or wearing inappropriate footwear for the activity you are performing.
At STEPWISE PODIATRY we can offer you a solution for your Plantar Fasciitis with our HEEL PAIN PACKAGE. Your package will include:
* An assessment of how your foot and lower leg functions.
*Issue of a supportive insole, to help prevent to much stretch to the plantar fascia, allowing it to be rested and begin to heal.
* Exercises to help the plantar fascia become less tight, thereby relieving some of the pull on its attachment. This takes the form of a series of prescribed stretching exercises for your calf muscles as these have a direct pull on the Achilles tendon, the heel bone, and therefore, the plantar fascia.
*We will recommend some useful options for pain relief and advice on appropriate footwear if necessary.
It can also be helpful, where possible, to rest the affected heel by limiting your activity for a week or two.
Thank you for visiting the Stepwise Podiatry heel pain blog. Now you know how our Heel Pain Package can help to start improving your pain.
What Next?
LIKE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
CONTACT US call 01663 309684, email us or head back to the home page and select the 'Book Online' button.
If you want to try some self-help stretching then click the 'Heel Pain' button on the home page for a free PDF download.
Best Wishes, Fran and Helen x
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