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.