Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis and Plantar Fasciopathy: Overview and Treatment

The plantar fascia is a robust connective tissue designed to support the arch of your foot. It plays a crucial role in absorbing and distributing the load of your body during walking and running, with research suggesting that it bears approximately 14% of the total foot load. The plantar fascia originates from the underside of the heel bone and extends to the base of each of the five toes.

During walking, the plantar fascia continuously elongates and contracts throughout the contact phase of the gait cycle. As you push off with your toes at the end of each stride, the plantar fascia tightens, contributing to the elevation of the arch and shortening of the foot.

The term “Plantar Fasciitis” encompasses several conditions related to the plantar fascia, including:

Plantar Fasciopathy
Heel Spurring
Plantar Fibromatosis
Plantar Fascia Tear or Rupture

Plantar Fasciopathy

Plantar fasciopathy refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia, often caused by overstretching, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Contributing factors include:

Sudden increases in exercise or work levels
Weight gain
Pregnancy
Changes in footwear
Participation in high-impact sports
Structural issues with the foot

Symptoms

Pain associated with plantar fasciopathy is often most pronounced during the first few steps after waking up, following periods of rest, or after prolonged activity. The pain is typically described as an aching or pulling sensation under the arch of the foot and heel.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciopathy

The treatment of plantar fasciopathy is most effective when approached with a combination of therapies aimed at reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and strengthening the affected structures. Initial treatment may include:

Ice Therapy and Anti-inflammatory Creams: To reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Massage: Targeted massage of the plantar fascia and calf muscles to ease tension.
Strapping: To provide support and reduce stress on the plantar fascia during daily activities.
Footwear Modifications: Proper footwear can help alleviate strain on the foot, and orthotics may be recommended to correct abnormal foot mechanics and reduce tension on the plantar fascia.

Once the inflammation is under control, the next phase of treatment focuses on rehabilitation, which may involve:

Strengthening Exercises: A targeted program to build strength in the plantar fascia, as well as the surrounding muscles in the foot, hip, and leg.
Stretching and Mobility Work: To improve flexibility and restore proper movement patterns.

This stage of treatment typically spans several weeks and may require ongoing monitoring to track progress and make adjustments.

Importance of Early Intervention

If you experience heel pain, it is important not to ignore it. Seeking prompt assessment and treatment from a podiatrist can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic. As plantar fasciopathy progresses from an acute to a chronic stage, the treatment becomes more difficult, and recovery times can lengthen. Recurrent heel pain can even lead to long-term damage, such as tearing of the plantar fascia.

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You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.