The most common heel injury is plantarfasciitis
Are you frustrated with ongoing heel pain that is just refusing to shift? Have you tried lots of different ways to get rid of this pain? Have you taken advice from friends and family? Has your GP advised pain killers? Are you confused as to what could have caused this pain or injury in the first instance? Heel pain first thing in the morning? Struggling to stand or walk for long periods? Pain after exercise?
Plantarfasciitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems that podiatrists see. It is pain at the insertion of the plantar fascia at the heel. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that extends from the heel bone to the toes it acts as shock absorber supporting the arch in your foot. The collagen fibres are organised so that movement in the foot such as going onto your toes is enabled. One of the most common complaints patients will experience pain in their heel when waking up in the morning and stepping out of bed. You may also find that standing for long periods of time may be very uncomfortable.
Plantarfasciitis is the initial heel pain caused by inflammation after an injury in the plantar fascia. It is usually described as a hot, swollen and tender heel in the days after damage. When we walk we are constantly putting pressure on the plantar fascia and sometimes excessive pressure like starting a new sport or taking to the gym more regularly than before can instigate the micro trauma of the plantar fascia. Recent weight gain can also play a factor on the development of plantar fasciitis many expectant mothers can develop plantar fasciitis due to the excessive loading on the feet. A tight achilles tendon can also play havoc on the plantar fascia, therefore it is advisable to stretch after exercising.
Plantar fasciosis is the term to describe long term heel pain after repetitive stress when suffering from plantarfasciitis, long term in this case is described as anything longer than one month. It occurs due to the deterioration of the integrity of the plantar fascia over time.
The two terms are very similar however plantar fasciitis is only a short term injury to the area, by the time most patients see a podiatrist their condition has progressed to the chronic plantar fasciosis. Both can be treated with stretching, icing, orthoses, mobilisation, acupuncture, injection therapy, shockwave therapy and proper footwear. Your podiatrist will give you the best advice for you, discussing options and providing orthoses and stretches where necessary.
Not all heel pain is plantarfasciitis. Nerve injuries, tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, fractures, and bursitis are to name a few.
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