We all know someone who’s suffered from heel pain before, or even if you’re unlucky enough had it yourself!
You might have heard it called by number of different names before: plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciopathy or even heel spurs. But whatever you call it one thing remains the same.. It hurts!
Heel pain, or plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the plantar fascia, which runs underneath your feet.
Common symptoms experienced can be:
- pain and tenderness in the heel or arch of the foot particularly during/after sport or activty
- increased aching in and around the heel after long periods on your feet
- stiffness and hightended pain first thing in the morning with first steps out of bed
- stiffness and pain when initially standing and walking following periods of rest during the day
What exactly is the Plantar Fascia?
The plantar fascia is a stretchy band of connective tissue that runs from the underside of the heel bone fanning out to the toes at the ball of our feet.
The plantar fascia assists in supporting the arch of the foot by providing tension under the foot. This aids with both static and dynamic shock absorption.
The plantar fascia also plays a key role during in our gait (walking) by acting like a spring, stretching and shortening with each step we take to store and release energy helping to propel us forward and ease the workload on the surrounding muscles.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is subject to a large amount of strain. Some studies estimate it can carry up to 14% of the total load through the foot while weight bearing. Given this structure is already under immense load, any internal or external factors that result in added stress or strain on the feet can begin to overload the plantar fascia. Most commonly this overload occurs around its attachment to the heel bone.
Some of the risk factors that can increase load on the plantar fascia include:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles
- Weight gain
- Age (most prevelent during middle age groups)
- Pregnancy
- Inappropriate or changes in footwear
- Increased walking/standing on hard surfaces
- A sudden increase in activity – starting a new exercise program or wlaking more on holidays are common factors seen
The good news is the research shows that in most cases plantar heel pain will resolve on its own (however, this can take anywhere from months to years!).
Fluid Movement Podiatry podiatrists has been helping patients for over 15 years identify and manage this frustrating complaint. We can help identify all relevant risk factors contributing to your pain and develop a management plan to get you back on your feet.
We will sortly be posting some key strategies to help people initially manage some of the more challenging parts of having this condition. Please keep an eye out for our next post. In the mean time please feel free to contact the clinic or visit out website for further informtation as to how we can help you.
All the best
Fluid Movement Podiatry team.
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