Articles » Injuries » Injuries of the lower limbs » Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

What it Effects

• A fibrous sheath (Plantar Fascia) on the sole of the foot running from the heel to the base of the toes

Who it Effects

• Older population
• People who do a lot of standing / walking
• Sports people
• Women

Mechanism of Injury

• There is inflammation caused by micro trauma of the Plantar Fascia where the sheath attaches to the heel, usually resulting from overuse
• Obesity
• Biomechanical problem
• A tight Achilles tendon has been shown to contribute to this condition
• Inadequate footwear can contribute

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain on the heel and down the inside of the foot
• Point tenderness
• Pain when the Plantar Fascia is put on stretch
• Sharp pain on the heel especially in the morning and during activity
• Pain is less when non-weight bearing

Treatment

• PRICE
• NSAID’s
• Fix biomechanical problem e.g. over pronation
• Stretching the Plantar Fascia and Achilles
• Deep transverse frictions
• Ultrasound

Additional Information

• At a recent in-service training in the NHS it was recommended by Jim Barrie an ankle and foot surgeon that physiotherapists should screen patients for the following to rule out inflammatory conditions as a cause of heel pain:
• Problems with other joints
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Red hot eyes
• Blood / discharge in the urine
• Psoriasis
• Lower back pain

If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.