It is generally classed as an overuse injury that gradually worsens. Something as simple as increasing your walking or running can bring it on, and of course, the heavier you weight the more load through your foot.
There isn’t a most effective treatment for everyone but treatments generally include activity modification, weight loss, massaging the affected area on a ball, calf muscle stretches, orthoses (insoles), shockwave therapy and therapeutic injections. In some cases, surgery may be suggested.
The pain should subside with treatments listed above. Sometimes anti-inflammatory medication can help in the short term. The treatments generally work in different ways, including reducing the load on the fascia, decreasing the inflammation or encouraging healing.
Plantar fasciitis can cause heel pain without any obvious injury. There are other conditions such as a heel bone stress fracture or Achilles tendonitis that can develop with repetitive overloading.
You should seek podiatric care if you have had the pain for over one week or soon after experiencing any injury. Our podiatric team can assess and advise on a treatment plan specific to your heel pain. Imaging may be suggested prior to treatment, such as an MRI or Ultrasound scan.
Click here to find out more information on heel pain and the treatments that we offer at 17 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QH