Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of rear foot / heel pain seen in our physiotherapy clinic. This potentially chronic and painful condition is seen in runners and patients who stand for long periods of the day, is associated with poor foot and leg biomechanics. Unusual loading of the plantar fascia as a result of either of these altered biomechanics leads to overload and results in significant pain typically with the first few steps following a period of inactivity (like first thing out of bed in the morning).

The plantar fascia is a thick layer of tissue on the sole of your foot and runs from the heel bone to the toes and is made up of three parts, the central part being the largest and most prominent. The plantar fascia forms the arch of the foot and acts to maintain this arch in weight bearing, whilst also providing support for shock absorption during walking and running activities. When the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is called plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include but are not limited to sudden onset of heel pain, pain that is typically worse in the morning and improves with exercises and general movement, pain at the bottom of the heel bone which may radiate through the foot and heel spurs may also be present. People with flat feet or high arches are at an increased risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis and other risk factors include excessive walking, standing or running, exercises in inappropriate footwear, being overweight and work related factors such as prolonged standing on hard surfaces.

Treatment

An accurate diagnosis is important to ensure the correct treatment is applied for this potential chronic and debilitating condition. Physiotherapy is a key element in managing the injury and helping with rehabilitation and treatment usually includes biomechanical assessment / correction, stretching regime, strengthening exercises, taping techniques and or advice regarding suitability of footwear, applying ice post activity, advice regarding non steroidal anti inflammatory and steroid injections.

Call us today to see one of our physiotherapists to treat your heel pain.