Fix your heel pain
Struggling with heel pain? Our top tips for plantar fasciitis relief will help you find relief and get back on your feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This inflammation causes sharp, stabbing heel pain, often described as feeling like a knife sticking into the bottom of the foot, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As you move, the pain typically decreases but can return after long periods of standing or rising from a seated position. Additional symptoms may include swelling, redness, and tenderness to the touch. The discomfort generally worsens after prolonged standing or physical activity but may improve with rest.
Causes and Risk Factors
· Age – Most common between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, though it can affect individuals of any age.
· Obesity – Excess body weight can increase the stress placed on the plantar fascia.
· Overuse – Excessive walking or running, particularly in inexperienced runners, can lead to repetitive strain on the plantar fascia.
· Tight Achilles Tendon – Tightness in the Achilles/calf muscle can affect the plantar fascia and cause strain.
· Biomechanical Issues – Flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal pattern of walking can put extra stress on the plantar fascia.
· Inadequate Warm-Up – Not warming up properly before physical activities can increase the risk.
· Hard Surfaces – Frequently walking, running, or working on hard surfaces without adequate foot support.
· Injury – Trauma or injury to the foot that strains the plantar fascia.
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis
Clinical Diagnosis
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis generally begins with a thorough clinical examination by a healthcare professional such as an Osteopath, Sports Therapist or Podiatrist. During the examination, the practitioner will review your medical history, inquire about your symptoms, and perform a physical assessment of your foot. They will look for signs of tenderness in the plantar fascia, check for biomechanical dysfunction in the foot and ankle, and observe your gait. Other tests may be performed to rule out other injuries.
Diagnosis with Imaging
While clinical evaluation is often sufficient for diagnosing plantar fasciitis, imaging techniques can provide additional insights, especially in atypical cases or when other conditions are suspected. X-rays may be used to rule out bone fractures or other abnormalities. Ultrasound imaging can reveal thickening of the plantar fascia and detect tears. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be utilized to offer detailed images of the soft tissues, confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other potential issues. At Body Zest, your practitioner will be able to advise you as to whether they think a scan is going to be necessary.
Treatment for Plantarfasciitis
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment & Sports Therapy
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on therapy approach that aims to relieve pain and restore function by addressing the musculoskeletal system's interrelated parts. Sport therapy can often be similar, but focus more on reducing muscle tension with deep-tissue and address weaknesses with targeted exercises.
For plantar fasciitis, Osteopathy and Sports therapy techniques might include myofascial release, stretching, and gentle manipulation of the foot and ankle. These techniques help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These treatments are holistic, considering the body as a whole and aiming to correct imbalances that may contribute to foot pain.
Podiatry
Podiatrists are experts in all things foot and ankle. For planterfasciits, they will aim to resolve some of the similar issue as mention above. Your podiatrist will likely give exercises to reduce the calf and foot tension, as well as exercises to strengthen. Podiatrists also have the ability to cask bespoke orthotics (insoles) for patient’s who’s planterfasciitis is being caused by a mechanical issue like flat feet.
Shockwave Therapy (SWT)
At Body Zest, our team of Osteopaths, Sports therapists and Podiatrists are all trained in the use of Shockwave therapy. This treatment can be used in conjunction with all the above treatment for heel pain, improve the outcomes greatly and reducing the chance or reoccurrence.
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing process in a tissue (like plantar fascia). This therapy promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and breaks down scar tissue. SWT is often employed for chronic cases that have not responded to conventional treatments or are likely to become chronic and reoccur (like planterfasciitis).
Research has shown SWT to be a beneficial treatment option for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis, with 81% of studies reporting a significant improvement to foot function and 80-90% of patients reporting a significant or total reduction in foot pain within 3 months of treatment.
To read more about Shockwave Therapy, visit our Shockwave Information Page for more information.
Deciding The Right Approach
At Body Zest, we offer varying options for conditions like planterfasciitis. This isn’t something which should worry you though! Whichever option you choose (Osteo, Sports therapy or Podiatry), we promise you’ll be in expert hands. If you’re unsure how to make the decision, or would rather us make it for you, then our knowledgeable reception team are on hand to help. They can even organise for you to have a call with one of our practitioners before you book, just to make sure your happy.
Struggling With Heel Pain?
If you’re suffering with heel pain, it may be planterfasciitis. Let one of our team diagnose your problem and outline some treatment options. This isn’t a condition you want to ignore…
Call us today on 01737 373684, or email hello@bodyzest.co.uk
Or, book online at www.bodyzest.co.uk/book
