Heel pain & Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions of people each year.
It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your
foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and
acts as a shock absorber, but repetitive stress and strain can lead to tiny tears in the fascia, resulting
in pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, usually
most intense with the first steps taken in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain often
decreases as the foot warms up but may return after prolonged standing, walking, or after exercise.
Other symptoms may include tenderness when pressing on the bottom of the heel, stiffness, and
sometimes swelling. Over time, without proper treatment, the condition can worsen, causing chronic
heel pain and affecting mobility.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to microtears in the tissue. Several factors can increase the risk of developing this condition, including:

• Overuse: High-impact activities like running, jumping, or walking on hard surfaces can strain
  the plantar fascia.
• Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can cause uneven
  distribution of weight and increased stress on the plantar fascia.
• Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or have worn-out soles
  can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet, especially the plantar fascia.
• Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Occupational Factors: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces,
  such as factory workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals, are at higher risk.

Management of Plantar Fasciitis
Effective management of plantar fasciitis involves a combination of treatments aimed at reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence. Common management options include

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reduce activities that worsen pain and avoid long periods of standing or walking.
• Stretching Exercises: Stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles to improve flexibility.
• Ice Therapy: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and
• Footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioned A podiatrist can assess your foot type and gait to recommend the best footwear.
• Orthotics: Use custom orthotics or insoles to provide additional support and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
• Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain. We offer shockwave therapy at our clinic for effective pain management.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthen lower leg muscles to improve stability and reduce
• And Many More!

Why See a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?
Seeing a podiatrist is essential for properly diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists specialise in foot and ankle conditions and can provide tailored treatment plans to address the specific cause of your heel pain. They can perform a thorough examination, use imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasound to rule out other conditions, and create custom orthotics to provide support. A podiatrist will also provide guidance on footwear, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence, ensuring you get back on your feet pain-free.