Plantar fasciitis is the result of damage to the tough band of tissue (fascia) that runs under the sole of the foot, which causes pain in the heel. It most commonly affects people aged 40 to 60 who are overweight or on their feet for long periods of time.
The pain tends to develop gradually over time and is at its worst when you wake up in the morning and at the end of the day.
Resting your heel, regular stretching, applying ice packs, taking painkillers and wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes can often help relieve the pain. In a small number of cases, other treatments such as physiotherapy or injections may be necessary. Rarely, surgery may be required.
Our practice has adopted a holistic approach to treating this rather debilitating condition:
- Biomechanical assessment
- Activity assessment
- Insole or orthotic therapy
- Shock Wave therapy which is proving to be very effective
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Referral for Physiotherapy