Heel pain explained
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis . It can be chronic or occur as an acute injury.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue, like a ligament, on the sole of the foot which helps transmit force from the toes and arch into the heel and then up the shin. It is essential for human walking and acts as part of the Windlass mechanism.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is characterised by pain under the heel when weight bearing, usually first thing in the morning or when you have been sitting for extended periods. This pain can 'warm up' and ease, usually after the first few steps. Sometime there is swelling around the heel and in acute traumatic cases, bruising can be seen.
Risk factors
sudden increase in activity
overweight
poor biomechanics
standing for extended periods
high or low arches
middle aged
previous injury to the lower limb
Treatments
There are a wide variety of effective treatment options for this condition. Massage, taping, dry needling, stretching and strengthening to name a few. Shockwave therapy is becoming a widely used tool for heel pain. A detailed analysis of the lower limb is needed to identify why this link in your kinetic chain has failed.
Check out the services page for all treatment options on offer
At home, initial symptoms can be reduced by rolling a golf ball under the middle third of your foot lightly and wearing well fitted shoes.
Call Alex Ban Physiotherapy in Camden on 4655 9558 if you are experiencing heel pain for a detailed examination to find the reason why this pain is presenting and how to fix it.
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