Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a progressive degenerative condition affecting the thick band of tissue that covers the muscles & bones on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia), and has been associated with heel pain, falls, poor quality of life, and disability.
Plantar fasciitis is called plantar fasciopathy by podiatrists & as heel spurs, runner’s heel, policeman’s heel etc by other people.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain presenting to outpatient and podiatric clinics.
Up to 10% of the population may present with heel pain over the course of their lives.
83% of patients with heel pain will be working adults
A quarter of those suffering with plantar fasciitis reported having severe heel pain, 45 percent reported moderate pain, and 28 percent had mild pain.
More than 61 percent reported having pain every day, and almost 54 percent reported that their pain interfered with normal work activities at least moderately. Nearly one-third reported severe (“quite a bit” or “extreme”) pain-related interference.
One of the characteristics of plantar fasciitis is experiencing increased pain in the heel on rising from bed or sitting.
Other causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar Fascial Tears
- Proximal Plantar Intrinsic Strains
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Baxter’s Neuroma / neuropathy
- Bone Bruise/contusion or Bursitis (associated with plantar fat pad atrophy)
- Calcaneal Stress Fractures
- Neoplasms (osteoma)
- Sever’s Disease (Stress fracture of immature heel growth plate)
Treatment includes:
Biomechanical:
- Foot Mobilisation Therapy
- Foot Orthoses
- Strapping Techniques
- Footwear Advice
- Rehabilitation Exercises
- HEEL RAISE/TOE STANDS (Feet Abducted & Heels touch at 90º)
- BALL ROLL & PICK UP with MASSAGE
- ECCENTRIC CALF EXERCISE
- PASSIVE STRETCHES
- ACTIVE STRETCHES
Physical ElectroTherapy including:
- Low Level Laser Therapy
- DolorClast High Power Laser
- DolorClast Focused Shockwave Therapy
- DolorClast Radial Shockwave Therapy
We have amazing results in treating plantar fascial heel pain, with a combination approach to treatment, latterly incorporating Radial & Focused Shockwave & DolorClast High Power Laser enhancing the successful outcomes.
Another thing we strongly recommend is barefoot beach walking, when it's warmer weather, to help strengthen your foot & leg muscles to help rehabilitate your feet & cure your plantar fasciitis naturally. (See video )
If you are suffering from this debilitating condition don't hesitate to contact our reception team to arrange an appointment for an assessment to start your journey to recovery. Phone 01326 565 565
