Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common of foot complaints. Symptoms include a burning type pain first thing in the morning when you get out of bed but eases after taking a few steps. You also may be experiencing pain after sitting down for a while & then standing again. 

What is happening? You have strained or bruised a ligament under the heel & arch of the foot. You may not recall an actual incident that caused the pain because heel pain generally a long-term problem. It is generally caused by your foot flattening excessively when standing or walking & causing the ligament or plantar fascia (heel pain may also be known as plantar fasciitis) to become over-stretched & eventually bruised.  

 

Wearing shoes with poor cushioning can irritate the tissue in your heel (plantar fascia).  Being overweight or standing for long periods can also irritate the tissue.  Running, walking, tennis and other sports that put stress on the heels can cause tiny tears in the tissue.  If your lower leg muscles are tight, this is more likely to occur.  Overuse or excess body weight can cause the tissue to tear or pull away from the bone.  The tissue then becomes inflamed and painful.  Sometimes the inflamed plantar fascia also irritates a nerve, causing more pain. A Heel spur is a projection or growth of bone and can grow where the muscles of the foot attach to the bone.  While some heel spurs are painless, others that are determined to be the cause of chronic heel pain may require medical treatment or surgical removal.

 

 

 

SELF TREATMENT

rest as much as possible. If you walk or jog for exercise, swim or ride a bike instead

apply ice to the heel for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes numb. Then apply heat to the area for 5 minutes using a wheat bag. Alternate 3 times between hot and cold.

massage the arch of your foot with a tennis ball or golf ball applying firm pressure for 5-10 minutes

stretch your calf muscles and achilles tendon, which attach to the heel. (See picture)

stretch the plantar fascia each morning before getting out of bed. Sit up in bed and loop a towel, scarf or belt around the forefoot. Pull the forefoot with the toes toward the upper leg. Stretch to the point of pain. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Rotate the ankles 3-4 times before getting out of bed

 

PODIATRIC TREATMENT

physical therapy such as massage & ultrasound maybe beneficial

strapping the arch with rigid tape combined with a heel raise serves to temporary simulate the effects of an orthosis or support

use of different types of orthosis or supports to reduce the strain on the plantar fascia

a night splint to hold the foot in an upright position and prevent the plantar fascia from shortening during sleep can be also useful in the more stubborn cases

surgery can be effective when performed by a well qualified Podiatric surgeon. Conservative therapy should be carried out for at least 12 months before considering surgery

For further information concerning 'Heel Pain'. Click HERE      

              

Footmed  has treated thousands of people with heel pain. As individuals, we are all different & therefore what helps with one person, may not help another. We treat you as an individual & tailor your treatment plan accordingly to provide you with the greatest relief possible.

 

 

Private health insurance generally covers a percentage of the cost of Podiatric consultations. Podiatric consultations are also covered under Workcover, 3rd Party Insurance & Veterans Affairs.  

 

[THIS INFORMATION IS OF A GENERAL NATURE & SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS A DIAGNOSIS. SEEK ADVICE FROM A PODIATRIST FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE]