HEEL PAIN
Heel pain is a common problem affecting 10% of the population. Unfortunately contrary to a lot of advice it does not spontaneously resolve without appropriate treatment and is the most common complaint I see. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be planned and given. Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis and often heel pain may be due to problems in the ankle or even the back.
Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. The basis of any diagnosis is taking a good medical history and I will want to know how the pain started and how long you have had it for. There are a variety of diagnostic tests and imaging we can use to make and accurate diagnosis and provide you with the best treatment to resolve your pain.
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis is degeneration of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. The fascia, which acts like a rope holding the foot together, first becomes stretched, leading to degeneration and then inflammation, resulting in heel pain.
CAUSES
Plantar Fasciitis affects 10% of the population. It is associated with a tight calf muscle but it can affect anyone. A standing job, running and obesity are all said to be risk factors but any condition that affects 1 in 10 will have a wide variety of people affected.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
- Pain on the bottom of the heel
- Pain that is usually worse first thing in the morning or after sitting for some time.
- Pain that slowly gets worse over a period of months.