HEEL PAIN

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons we see patients come through our doors at Hills Podiatry Centre. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that originates in the calcaneus (heel bone), follows along the arch and attaches at the site of the 5 metatarsal heads in the forefoot. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition arising in the heel primarily experienced during the first few steps when your feet hit the floor in the morning or after a big day on your feet.

It is caused by a variety of factors such as excessive rolling of your foot which causes your arch to flatten. As a result of the flattening, the plantar fascia stretches and causes damage around the insertion point at the heel. Tightness in the calf muscles, changes in activity and ground surfaces, and weight gain are all predisposing factors to plantar fasciitis.

Anyone can present with this type of pain, but it is especially found in people who are highly active, stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time, have high arches, have recently gained weight, have suddenly increased their physical activity, and pregnant women.

Our plan of treatment is to support the plantar fascia in order to prevent further injury and allow time for the fascia to heal. At Hills Podiatry Centre we will perform a detailed history, joint, posture and muscle assessment. We will also undertake a Zebris Force and Gait Assessment. The podiatrist will explain frame by frame what is causing your plantar fasciitis, then address the cause of the pain. Our orthotics work to treat heel pain by reducing traction at the heel bone attachment of the plantar fascia. 80% of people experience pain relief from this method of treatment.

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