Seeing a podiatrist should be the first step when you are experiencing any foot problems, including heel pain.
The plantar fascia is the band tissue that runs under the foot from toes to heel. When the foot pronates the plantar fascia is being over stretched resulting in inflammation and pain at the point where the plantar fascia is attached to the heel bone.
Your podiatrist is expert on plantar fasciitis and your feet. At Every Step Podiatry, your podiatrist will work with you to understand the cause of your heel pain, by looking at your biomechanics, foot wear and lifestyle to find the most effective way to alleviate your foot pain.
What are Plantar Fasciitis symptoms?
Pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps out of bed in the morning after rest. In some cases, mild swelling in the heel may be present. Heel pain often worsens after long lasting activities like going for long walks or standing on hard floors for long periods of time.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is mainly caused by incorrect foot function, in particular over-pronation. This is when your gait, the way you walk or run puts strain on your arches (flattening of the arc). Some other causes may include;
- Rolling of the feet when walking
- An inflamed bursa (bursitis); small irritated sack of fluid at the back or under heel.
- A neuroma (nerve growth)
- Other soft-tissue growths
- Heel bumps
- Bruises or stress fractures to the heel bones.
Contributing factors can be;
- Age
- Weight gain
- Walking or standing on hard floors for long periods of time
- Shoes with little or no support
- Inactivity
What are the treatment options?
Treatment may involve, exercise, taping, custom orthoses specifically made to your needs, specific supportive footwear recommendations, shockwave therapy.
In order to effectively treat Plantar Fasciitis cushioning under the heel is not enough. It is important to also support the arches and realign the foot to its natural position.
Your recovery will depend on the cause of your heel pain and your individual health. If you are suffering from heel pain, book a biomechanical assessment with a podiatrist.
Every Step Podiatry - Sydney Podiatrist 