Really strange how I have met 4 patients with plantar fasciitis recently!

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation to the area where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone – under the foot in the area where the arch becomes the heel. Typically pain is excruiating first thing in the morning, but eases throughout the day.

The plantar fascia is critical for keeping the stability in the arch when we are weightbearing, and preparing the foot for toe-off so we get best propulsion. Unfortunately it can be damaged by overloading or too much tension. How does this happen? The most common causes for plantar fasciitis are a sudden increase in activity, increase in body weight, wearing too flat shoes with poor foot strength, and having really tight calf muscles. It seems that lockdown has either got us all gathering weight or taking up running! I’m firmly in the former group!!

Bear in mind there are lots of other causes for heel pain, but if any of the above applies to you, its worth addressing those issues and see where you get.

For best resolution treatment/changes should be made as soon as possible, the longer the injury is present, the harder it is to heal.

Treatments can include zinc oxide taping, cold compress, massage and offloading in the shorter term and footwear changes, activity changes, muscle rehab/retraining, weightloss for the longer term.

Speak to one of us if you are having problems with heel pain.

ush on Plantar Fasciitis this week!