Heel pain? It could be plantar fasciitis.
Heel pain is one of the most common issues we see in our clinics. We have a wealth of experience in assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions that cause heel pain.
COMMON CAUSES OF HEEL PAIN
The more common causes of conditions affecting the heel are:
Exercise-related – overuse, a sudden increase in activity;
Life stage-related – middle-aged men and women, and children between eight and 13 years (particularly boys) seem to be more prone to heel pain;
Increased weight and obesity;
Problems with the mechanics of the feet - flat or high arches; rolling the feet inwards (over-pronation) or outwards (supination);
Unsupportive or poor-fitting shoes (e.g. thongs); and
Injury to the heel.
In most cases, clients suffering from heel pain are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
This condition affects the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the sole of the foot from the heel to the ball. This ligament connects your heel bone with your toes and helps keep the foot in the correct position by supporting the arch. Overstretching or injuring the plantar fascia can cause inflammation or even tearing and lead to a bony growth (heel spur).
Symptoms include a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch. The pain is often worse first thing in the morning or when standing after a period of rest.
Plantar Fascia
HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
We will physically examine your feet and legs and discuss your history. In some cases, we may also refer you for an X-ray or ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU GET BACK ON YOUR FEET?
Depending on the nature and extent of your condition, we treat heel pain with a combination of strategies, including:
Foot massage;
Pain relief (e.g. anti-inflammatory medication, ice packs, rest from certain activities);
Strapping or taping the heel – we can do this for you and show you how to do it at home;
Dry needling;
Extra-corporeal shockwave therapy;
Shoe padding; and
Foot inserts/orthotics if required
In keeping with our philosophy of holistic, ongoing care for your feet, we will also advise you on recovery and prevention strategies:
Assessment of posture and walking style to identify any problems that could be corrected to prevent further issues;
Recovery and management plans (e.g. exercises to improve flexibility, strategies for exercising correctly); and
Choosing the correct footwear to support your feet;
If you are experiencing heel pain or have questions about heel conditions and would like our help, please email our experienced podiatrists at admin@regangillespiepodiatry.com.au or make an appointment.
Regan Gillespie Podiatry offers friendly podiatry services for the whole family in convenient locations on Brisbane’s northside. We provide all aspects of podiatric care including paediatric care, general foot care, orthotic therapy, ingrown toenail surgery/management and injury management.
