Plantar Fasciitis & heel pain

Plantar Fasciitis & heel pain

The most common cause of heel is Plantar Fasciitis or chronically known as Plantar Fasciopathy. The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot originating from the heel and attaching into the toes. The Plantar Fascia provides support into the arch of your foot with other ligaments, tendons and bones. This is critical for the support of our feet with weightbearing activities that we perform through our everyday lives.
Excess stress to the Plantar Fascia can cause micro tears and lead to injury. These repetitive micro tears result in the catalyst for the development of Plantar Fasciitis.
Some examples of excess stress can be:

• Standing on your feet for long periods
• Beginning new or increased activity - such as a new sport
• Going from off season to preseason training
• Participate in activities that require lots of repetitive running or jogging
• Pronated (flat) feet
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor fitting or old footwear 

Most common symptoms include:

• Pain at the bottom and inside of the heel
• Pain with the first few steps in the morning
• Pain when standing after sitting for long periods of time
• Pain when standing for long periods of time
• Dull ache towards the end of the day or feeling like a bruise

These symptoms may cause you to limp or hobble during times of pain.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis can consist of:

• Taping the foot
• The use of heat/ice
• Purchasing appropriate footwear
• Changes to training/exercise load
• Orthotic therapy
• Dry needling
• Shockwave therapy
• Exercises therapy
• Stretching & massage
• Rolling a ball