There are many causes of heel pain. Plantar Fasciitis being just one. Plantar Fasciitis is a inflammatory degenerative condition causing pain and discomfort to a band of tissue from your heel to your toes. This fascia is responsible for the arch of the foot.
Anyone can suffer from Plantar Fasciitis including the athletic among us and the not so athletic. There is an increased prevalence in non-athletic women. Unfortunately they suffer with more persistent pain than men.
Whilst evidence is weak, obesity, prolonged standing, running, limited ankle dorsiflexion, shortened triceps surae, hindfoot malalignment and increased age are all considered potential risk factors.
The indicative symptoms of heel pain due to Plantar Fasciitis include a sharp pain within the sole of the foot when your first stand on the floor. This stiffness first thing in the morning can slowing ease with use. This rest to rise pain can also be encountered after sitting for a period of time, this is because the Plantar Fascia is not used during rest. Without appropriate treatment, Plantar Fasciitis can become a chronic condition.
A thorough detailed assessment is required to derive at Plantar Fasciitis as a diagnosis. You will be asked about your daily activities, the nature of your condition, when the heel pain started and how it effects you on a daily basis. A physical assessment shall then be completed by palpating the foot, checking your range of movement, checking the posture of your foot whilst weight bearing and during gait.
Lifestyle modifications are key to reducing heel pain due to Plantar Fasciitis. In some case’s recovery from Plantar Fasciitis can be longer than anticipated due to the nature of the inflammation and difficulties resting this part of your foot. In the short term, conservative measures can be taken by icing the inflammation, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories pain relief.
Evidence suggests a series of options are available including a stretching, kinesiology (low dye) tape and orthotic devices.
“If you experience any foot care issues that do not resolve themselves naturally or through routine foot care within three weeks, it is recommended that you seek the help of a healthcare professional.” College of Podiatry (2019)
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