Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis

What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammatory condition, occurring where the plantar fascia attaches to the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus. It can cause pain at the bottom of heel as well as in the arch of the foot. We discuss how to treat plantar fasciitis below.

What causes it?

When over-pronation occurs, the plantar fascia attachment site is constantly being tugged, resulting in inflammation in local tissues. When the patient is keeping weight off the area, scar tissue can begin to form as the site heals. This becomes a problem when weight is placed on it again and the scar tissue tears, resulting in acute pain. This is why patients suffering from Plantar Fasciitis generally experience the most pain when getting out of bed and when standing up after a period of sitting.

What are the heel and arch pain treatments?

The first step is to control the initial inflammation that occurs in the acute stage. Applying ice and modalities are an effective solution for this. After inflammation has been reduced, the biomechanical fault, or over-pronation, must be corrected, taking the chronic strain off of the fascia. This is accomplished with the fitting of a well-designed, custom-made orthotic.

HEEL AND ARCH PAIN TREATMENT – PLANTAR FASCIITIS

A: Orthotic Therapy

B: Low Dye strapping

C: Exercises

D: Ice Therapy

E: Manipulation and Mobilisation

F: Cortisione Injection (into the heel)

G: Surgery (for severe cases)

H: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy