HEEL PAIN / PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons we see patients come through our door at Hills Podiatry Centre. It is a common condition arising on the heel, primarily experienced during the first few steps when your feet hit the floor in the morning or perhaps after a big day on your feet.

There are a number of factors that could cause plantar fasciitis. Excessive rolling of the foot can cause our arch to flatten, resulting in the stretching of the plantar fascia and causing repetitive damage around the insertion point at the heel. Other predisposing factors include tightness in the calf muscles, changes in activity and ground surfaces, rapid increase in exercise, weight gain, inappropriate footwear, and both high and low arched foot types.

At Hills Podiatry we will perform a detailed history, joint, posture and muscle assessment helping us to determine the cause of the pain and pin-point the areas which require the most support and offloading. Our number one aim is to prevent the repetitive over-stretching of the plantar fascia giving it the time and the best opportunity to heal. Our Podiatrists will implement a treatment plan consisting of ice-rolling, taping, compression socks, orthotics and footwear advice. 80% of people will have pain relief from our orthotics as they treat the problem by reducing traction at the heel bone attachment of the plantar fascia.