Plantar fasciitis
What is it
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia (connective tissue) which can cause chronic heel pain. This connective tissue attaches to the heel and to the bones of each of toe and can result in arch pain.
What can cause it?
- Excessive exercise that causes stretching of the plantar fascia, including running, jogging, squatting.
- Wearing high heels.
- Being overweight.
- Having flat feet.
- Pregnancy.
- Tight calf muscles.
What are the symptoms ?
The pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with your first steps when getting out of bed in the morning. Plantar Fasciitis is presented by a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. In most cases, heel pain is more severe following periods of inactivity (resting or sleeping) when getting up and then subsides, turning into a dull ache.
What are the treatments?
Treatment is usually a combination of therapies; we find that after an initial assessment we can tailor the treatment to best meet your needs. Typical treatment can involve:
- Resting/Decreasing or even stopping the activities that make the pain worse is the first step in reducing the pain. You may need to stop athletic activities where your feet pound on hard surfaces (for example, running or step aerobics). Gentle exercises to stretch the achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
- Prescribed orthotics (insoles in shoes), to provide cushioning and reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
- Ice: Rolling your foot over a cold water bottle or ice for 20 minutes is effective. This can be done 3 to 4 times a day.
- Assessment of footwear (not to be underestimated!)
If these therapies are unsuccessful it may be decided that a steroid injection may be needed. We feel that all options should & need to be explored before this option is taken. If we feel this is the case, we will ask you to see your GP, we will write detailing the treatment we have provided for you.