Arch/Heel Pain
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Are you dreading that first step in the morning before your foot hits the floor?
Does your pain improve once you start moving only to deteriorate again during the day? Are you altering the way you walk to help reduce the pain? Heel pain is debilitating and reduces your quality of life. If left untreated heel pain can stay with you for years. However, not all heel pains are the same!
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Arch and Heel pain can be subdivided into 3 main groups:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition identified as inflammation of the fibrous band that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. Its main role is to keep the bones and joints of the feet in a stable position. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is due to faulty foot structure or poor lower limb biomechanics where the fibrous band is forced to overstretch. Damage is caused by repetitive overstretching and subsequent bruising, either under the heel and/or along the arch of the foot.
Heel spurs
Plantar-fasciitis is associated with heel spurs. With activity, the plantar fascia tears and bleeds at the heel and overtime these injuries calcify and form a bony growth.
Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is identified as inflammation, irritation and swelling of the Achilles tendon at its attachment to the heel bone. When everyday stresses become too much for the tendon, painful debilitating symptoms develop. Careful management of Achilles tendinopathy is essential to prevent prolonged injury and delayed healing times.
Katie Nilan Podiatry will take you through a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to identify the cause of your heel pain. Treatment may involve exercises, stretching, orthotics, shoe modification or referral to a surgeon. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.