Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain
What is it?
The plantar fascia is a large band of fibre that starts on the heel and extends to the balls of the feet. The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorbing elastic bridge which supports the arch of the feet. However, if this is placed under tension or stress micro tears can occur, most commonly near the heel. This results in plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is most commonly described as a sharp stabbing pain on the heel, and is usually the worst when standing up after long periods of sitting down or first putting your foot on the ground in the morning.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- Footwear: Supportive shoes helps reduce the pressure and load on the plantar fascia.
- Excessive exercise: Activities such as long distance running or sprints, or not warming up or stretching before exercise.
- Foot mechanics: Having flat feet or high arches
- Occupation: Teachers, nurses and miners who stand and walk on hard surfaces for long hours places more stress on the plantar fascia.
- Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. As we age the tissues in the feet become weaker and more prone to inflammation.
At Atwell Podiatry treatment for heel pain will be tailored to your specific circumstances. Treatments include orthotics, dry needling footwear advice, foot mobilisation and stretching exercises.
If you have any questions on how to treat your heel pain, please contact us today, we are happy to help!