Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel pain is the single most common injury that we treat at Wagga Podiatry Plus.
Heel pain can be caused by many conditions such as heel spurs, baxters nerve impingement, plantar fat pad syndrome, calcaneal stress fractures and soft tissue lesions.
These conditions are always taken into account but often the cause is a common condition called plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a soft tissue injury whereby the long, thick band on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, degenerated and painful. The plantar fascia works like a spring when we are weight-bearing. It absorbs pressure when you have weight on your feet, when standing, walking and running and releases it as we push off our toes.
Often, if the plantar fascia is overloaded or overworked it can develop small microtears that lead to inflammation and pain. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, it can become stuck in a cycle of chronic inflammation and degeneration, making it more difficult to treat.
Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis can often cause pain in the first few steps in the morning in the heel and through the arch. It will then typically become painful at the end of the day and with activity. People often say that it is worse with running or long days and can feel like a "stone bruise" or sharp, stabbing pain in the heel.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by one or a number of factors including:
Poor biomechanics (including flat or high arches)
Muscle tightness
Poor muscle strength
Poor footwear
Changes in type, intensity or quantity of physical activity
Weight gain
Sudden increases in exercise
Treatment of heel pain
Our podiatrists have a wealth of experience in successfully treating the most stubborn cases of Plantar Fasciitis or other heel pain.
Our goal of treatment is to not only treat the symptoms but address the underlying factors that have contributed to its development.
Treatment will vary from person to person but it may include things such as…
Strapping of the foot to improve foot biomechanics and de-load the plantar fascia
Footwear advice specific to your needs
Orthotic therapy to temporarily minimises the pressure through injured structures
Strength and conditioning to improve the strength in the plantar fascia
Stretching of the calf muscles
Shockwave therapy to increase healing
Load management advice
Topical treatments such as anti-inflammatories
Dry needling
Massage
Our highly qualified and award-winning podiatrists are experts in biomechanics and its our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to each individual. We are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that get results fast. Book a consultation with our Podiatrists to discuss your condition and we will get you back pain-free, doing the things you love as quickly as possible.