Experiencing heel pain? – Maybe you have Plantarfasciitis (Plantarfasciopathy).

Plantarfasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and presentation to our clinics. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that spans across the foot from the heel (calcaneus) to the toes. This structure acts to support the arch of our feet and help us push off the ground as we move about. Injury to this structure can lead to irritation and inflammation of the fascia and consequently a painful heel.

What does plantarfasciitis feel like?

• Pain onset can be gradual in nature
• Location of pain on the inside bottom part of your heel (calcaneus)
• Pain that occurs at the commencement and following of an activity, but may actually feel okay during
• The first few steps in the morning are often described as being the worst part of the day!

Possible Risk factors

• Those who stand on their feet all day on hard surfaces
• Altered foot biomechanics such as through decreased flexibility in your ankle, tight hamstrings, calf and gluteal muscles
• High weight-bearing training loads e.g. running
• Higher body mass index (BMI)
• Foot structure
• Age – middle aged or older
• Pregnancy
• Weak feet
• Suboptimal footwear

Plantarfasciitis progression

If left untreated, plantarfasciitis typically worsens. To roughly gauge this, have a look at these stages below:

Stage 1: No Heel Pain – Normal 😊

Stage 2: Heel pain after exercise.

Stage 3: Heel pain before and after exercise.

Stage 4: Heel pain before, during and after exercise.

Stage 5: Heel pain all the time. Including at rest ☹

Treatment

In most individuals, heel symptoms will self-resolve between 6-18 months without treatment. However, there are other steps you can take to facilitate your rehabilitation and accelerate this time-frame. Consulting a physiotherapist who can help determine what is driving your heel pain and best direct and accelerate your rehabilitation may be worth your while. Some general treatments that you may experience with your physiotherapist include:

• Education and structuring of appropriate activity and load modification
• Biomechanical analysis – walk/run analysis for example
• Taping (short term help)
• Potential foot orthotics
• Stretching / strengthening / control-type exercises dependent on your presentation
• Massage and soft tissue therapy of the foot, ankle and lower limb
• NSAIDS – education and potential referral to pharmacist/GP

If you think you are experiencing plantarfasciitis – don’t wait – book in today with one of our Physiotherapists for a consultation to get you back on track!