Most commonly presents as sharp pain in the heel first steps out of bed in the morning and as we get up from sitting throughout the day. Heel pain (plantar fasciitis) is the single most common biomechanical condition treated at Jervis Bay & Brunton Podiatry.
Plantar Fasciitis (commonly thought of as a "heel spur") is actually a soft tissue injury whereby the plantar fascia, a broad band of tissue spanning from the heel into the ball of the foot, becomes inflamed. The role of the plantar fascia is to provide shock absorption for the load going in and out of the body through the foot.
For this reason, it can become easily torn due to the constant stretching of the band, and it is difficult to repair as we are constantly using our feet.
Early and correct diagnosis by an expert is essential
The longer Plantar fasciitis is present it can become stuck in a cycle of chronic inflammation making it slower to heal.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Pain may be experienced at the heel, along the arch of the foot or even up into the big toe.
Morning pain and upon rising from sitting.
Chronic heel pain made worse the longer you are on your feet
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by one or a number of factors including:
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Poor biomechanics (including flat or high arches)
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Muscle tightness (related to tight calf muscles)
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Poor muscle strength
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Footwear
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Changes in type or load of physical activity
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Weight increases
Treatment
At Jervis Bay & Brunton Podiatry we perform a thorough Biomechanical Assessment to determine what is causing your heel pain and treat it so that you can return to pain-free activity as quickly as possible.
Common management includes:
* Limiting lengthening of Plantar fascia straight out of bed with the use of an orthopeadic thong, such as Archies thongs.
* Stretching program, massage, use of ice and heat.
* Strapping
* Dry Needling (Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy)