Heel Pain

Laura McCrystal
Laura McCrystal Thursday, 25 January 2024

Heel Pain

In this blog we dicuss the most common cause of heel pain, Plantarfasciopathy

Heel  Pain

What is Plantar Fasciopathy?

 


It is an overuse injury from an accumulation of micro-damage that leads to the degradation
of the collagen fibres often at the origin of the plantar fascia as well as the surrounding
structures (Lemont et al, 2003).
It is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting up to 10% of the population and is
responsible for 15% of all clinical foot symptoms (Trojan & Tucker, 2019).

Signs and Symptoms

 

  •  Pain with first steps in the morning, or after long periods of rest.
  •  Tenderness on the heel.
  • Reduced ankle movement and/or tight Achilles.
  •  Pain is usually worse when barefoot on hard surfaces.
  • Most prevalent between ages 40-60.
  • Incidence is high among runners approx. 17.4% (Lopes et al, 2012).
  •  ⅓ of cases present in both feet.
  •  Episodes can last up to 6 months and beyond.

Potential Causes

Exercises that place a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissues such as long distance running.

  • Foot mechanics - flat feet, high arches.
  •  Overpronation of the foot.
  •  Increased BMI.
  • Occupations with prolonged time on feet.

Potential Treatments

  • Exercises that place a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissues such as long distance running.
  • Foot mechanics - flat feet, high arches.
  • Overpronation of the foot.
  •  Increased BMI.
  • Occupations with prolonged time on feet.

At LMC physio and Fitness we can provide rapid access to diagnose and management of plantar pain and heel pain. We can offer Physiotherapy and Sports therapist  treatment in both Rugby and Coventry.

Please use the 'contact us page' to get in touch.

 

Thanks for reading