Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar fasciopathy is a foot condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia in your foot becomes strained or damaged.
What is the plantar fascia
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia provides support to the arch of the foot and helps to absorb shock during weight-bearing activities such as running, walking and jumping.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:
- Foot abnormalities, such as high arches, flat feet or abnormal walking patterns.
- Overuse or repetitive activities that put strain on the heel and arch of the foot such as running, jumping, or standing/walking for long periods of time.
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon.
- Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or provide enough support.
- Sudden weight gain or being overweight.
- Age-related degeneration of the plantar fascia.
How we help with plantar fasciitis
CBR Podiatry assists by diagnosing the cause of heel pain and providing patients with a personalised treatment plan. Depending on the stage and severity of the condition, this can involve one or more of the following treatments:
- Stretching exercises that target the calf muscles and/or Achilles tendon.
- Assessment of footwear and advice on supportive shoes.
- Strapping the foot to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
- Custom-made orthotics to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
- Heel cups to alleviate pressure in the heel.
