Heel Pain Treatment Bankstown NSW
What Is Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)?
Plantar fasciitis today is the most common cause and diagnosis of heel pain. It refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia which is the band of tissue (ligament) underneath the foot. It originates from the calcaneus (heel) as one band and then divides into medial, central and lateral bands all attaching onto the metatarsal heads of the metatarsal bones. It basically attaches your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia plays an important role in maintaining and supporting the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis has many factors that lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia but the majority of cases is related to biomechanical anomalies such as poor foot mechanics. When the plantar fascia is over strained, the fibres of the plantar fascia become weak and tear usually at the attachment site of the heel as this is the weakest area. This causes the fascia to swell and results in inflammation which elicits the pain.
Plantar fasciitis can affect all people from adults to children, old and young but is more common in adults. In young people it is more noticed in those who stand a lot on their feet and young athletes.
Heel pain is a common condition in which weight bearing on the heel causes extreme discomfort.
Signs & Symptoms of Heel Spur Syndrome
- Pain in the heels mainly the plantar (underneath) surface of the heel.
- ‘First step’ pain or pain with first couple of steps in mornings and then eases after a few steps
- Pain in heels with movement upstairs and downstairs
- Pain in heels when standing after sitting for some time
- Pain when palpating heels especially the plantar centre and medial aspects of heels.
Clinical Presentation
In addition to all of the above signs and symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis presents clinically in three different pain areas around the heel bone and it is important for the Podiatrist to be able to distinguish this. It can present as medial pain, central pain and lateral pain. This is related directly to the anatomy of plantar fascia having three aponeuroses under the foot medial, central and lateral attachments.
Medial heel pain is associated with excessive pronation more than what the body allows. This causes the medial plantar fascia to elongate and tear away from the calcaneal attachment causing inflammation and pain.
Central heel pain is associated with high lateral heel strike in gait and excess pronation through midstance phase of gait, together with forefoot valgus deformity. When the foot lands laterally, the ground reaction forces propel the foot into pronation as it enters midstance, causing middle and central plantar fascia tearing at the attachment and causing trauma at the pivot point.
Lateral heel pain is associated with a high arch foot which causes the lateral plantar fascia to strain from the attachment.
Treatment for Heel Spur Syndrome
- Reducing plantar fascial strain through correcting foot mechanics by the use of Custom made orthotics
- Cryotherapy in the acute stages of the condition
- Dry needling to reduce pain and soft tissue thickening
- Prolotherapy injections to promote healing and synthesis of collagen fibres
- Shock wave therapy to promote healing and reduce pain
Podiatrist Recommendations
- If heel pain is experienced, seek professional advice by making an appointment with us as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could affect the prognosis of the condition and delay recovery.
- Avoid walking barefoot and with thongs. Try to be in deep supportive shoes whilst most of the day
- Avoid stretching of the plantar fascia in the acute stages of the condition as this will cause further tearing the fascia
- If pain is getting worse day by day, see your GP or Bankstown Podiatrist for either a referral for X-ray or Ultrasound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stop My Heel From Hurting?: Heel pain is typically caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis. Pain can be relieved at home by using an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation, resting your feet, wearing proper shoes with inserts that support your arch and avoiding high heels and exercising your feet with stretching and flexing. If the pain in your heel does not resolve in a few weeks or continues to get worse, you should book a consultation with a podiatrist.
How Long Does Heel Pain Last?: The healing time of heel pain is dependent on the severity of your condition. Pain from plantar fasciitis can last up to 24 months and if symptoms are ignored, can last longer and become more severe.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heel Bursitis?: The main symptom of retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel bursitis) is heel pain. Other symptoms include swelling around the back of your heel area, pain when leaning back on your heels, pain in calf muscles when running or walking or a crackling sound when flexing your feet.
How Do You Get Rid Of A Heel Spur?: If you catch a heel spur in the early stages, there is a chance to get rid of it using home remedies such as cold compresses, well fitting shoes and orthotics, over the counter pain medication and stretches. However if the pain is severe, you should speak with your podiatrist to explore other treatments.