Plantar Heel Pain

Heel pain which affects the bottom surface of the foot can be a debilitating condition which can cause serious impact upon a person’s quality of life. The condition typically involves the plantar calcaneal heel bone of the foot and is commonly displayed in both younger and older patients. This condition can also be displayed in patients leading a very active lifestyle to a more sedentary lifestyle.

There are a multitude of reasons to why an individual may be suffering from heel pain, however some of the more common causes include plantar fasciitis, calcaneal enthesopathy (insertional issues of tendon into bone), heel spur formation, soft tissue inflammation and/or tearing, heel fatty padding dystrophy (thinning), plantar fascial fibromas, bursitis, poor biomechanics, inappropriate footwear, and associated overuse injuries. As there are so many potential causes of heel bone, it is essential for the success any treatment plan that the underlying reason to conditions presence is identified.

Exertion of the plantar fascia tends to be one of the most common issues associated with pain affecting the heel and arches of the feet. The Plantar fascia is a soft tissue structure that originates from the heel bone and inserts into the balls of the feet. The main purpose of this muscle is to ensure the adequate foot position and posture is maintained. Through poor biomechanics this muscle is commonly damaged and subject to inflammation, thickening and possible tearing. The term used to coin this condition is Plantar Fasciitis. There are numerous causes associated with the over exertion of the plantar fascia with some including poor foot mechanics (high or low arches), tight calve muscles, sudden increase in physical activity, and inappropriate footwear.

Professional treatment and care of the heel pain condition will enable a return to activity on the quickest time possible. Common treatments for heel pain and plantar fasciitis offered by Medical Foot Care include foot insoles/orthoses therapy, footwear education, radial and focused shock wave therapy, infra-red laser therapy, electro-muscular stimulation programs, dry needling, and soft tissue therapies such as mobilisation, manipulation, and massage. In some instances where the patient is not responding to conservative care, a referral for a surgical opinion/intervention may be warranted.

Please contact the clinic immediately to have your heel pain diagnosed and effectively treated today. All treatment plans are specifically tailored for each individual to ensure the patient has the quickest return to their normal daily activities.