Do you suffer from heel pain?
Updated: May 13
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 having a period of rest. It can often 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 often occurs as a result of unaccustomed activity, such as starting the gym, changing from desk job to a more active job or inappropriate footwear for the activity you are performing.
At STEPWISE PODIATRY treatment for Plantar Fasciitis includes:
* An assessment of how your foot and lower leg function. Prescription of stretching exercises for your calf muscles as these have a direct pull on the Achilles tendon, the heel bone, and therefore, the plantar fascia.
*Issue of a basic 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.
*We will give you advice on the use of ice and pain-relieving gel and 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 Stepwise Podiatry and reading our information about Plantar Fasciitis. Now you know more about Plantar Fasciitis and how we can help to start improving your pain.
What Next?
LIKE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ?
CONTACT US call 01663 309684 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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