Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain (plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome) is the single most common biomechanical condition treated at Footworx Podiatry.

Once known as a “heel spur”, Plantar Fasciitis is actually a soft tissue injury whereby the plantar fascia, a broad band of tissue spanning from the heel into the ball of the foot, becomes inflamed. The role of the plantar fascia is to provide shock absorption for the load going in and out of the body through the foot.

For this reason, it can become easily torn due to the constant stretching of the band, and it is difficult to repair as we are constantly using our feet.

If the condition does not heal over the first few days, it can become stuck in a cycle of chronic inflammation and degeneration, making it more difficult to treat.

Early and correct diagnosis by an expert is essential

Plantar Fasciitis can also be misdiagnosed for Fat Pad Syndrome, which requires a very different treatment.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Pain may be experienced at the heel, along the arch of the foot or even up into the big toe.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by one or a number of factors including:

1. Poor biomechanics (including flat or high arches)
2. Muscle tightness
3. Poor muscle strength
4. Footwear
5. Changes in type or load of physical activity
6. Weight increases

Treatment

At Footworx Podiatry we perform a thorough Biomechanical Assessment to determine what is causing your heel pain and treat it so that you can return to pain-free