Heel pain, Foot pain and foot injuries are extremely common.
With accurate assessment and early treatment most heel pain and injury responds extremely quickly to physiotherapy treatments.
This will allow you to quickly regain a pain-free foot and resume your normal activities of daily living or sport.
Heel pain is the most common source of foot pain and typically involves the plantar fascia (i.e. plantar fasciitis).
The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It’s role is to support the arch of the foot, but unfortunately repetitive trauma and/or flat feet can cause micro damage to the plantar fascia resulting in pain.
Plantar fasciitisoften occurs innocuously, commonly occurs with running sports and often as a result of technique or biomechanical. Flat feet are a common causes of plantar fasciitis. These problems often cause excessive traction on the attachment of the plantar fascia causing damage and pain.
You can also develop plantar fasciitis after a direct traumato the heel or arch of the foot, such as landing on or stepping on an object. This can cause damage to the plantar fascia, as well as producing a bruised heel.
Given that foot biomechanics is often a primary cause of heel pain it is vital to thoroughly assess and correct your foot and leg biomechanics to aid recovery and prevent future recurrence.
Treatment includes taping to offload stress on the arch, local massage, trigger point therapy, and strengthening program. In some situations orthotics could be beneficial and a referral to a Podiatrist can be organized.
Heel pain is reversible and very successfully treated. About 90% of people with heel pain improve significantly within two months of initial treatment.
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