Most people cannot define a certain injury point or when a pain arose. Nearly all patients report pain on rising, especially first thing in the morning and with extended sitting. Some people will also present with constant pain or pain nearing the end of activity. The highest incidence of this condition is amongst middle aged men and women, especially those who are overweight and/or on their feet a lot.
Heel pain is most often a result of poor biomechanics, that is, the way we walk. Poor biomechanics causes stress on the calcaneus (heel bone) and the plantar fascia (the long band of tissue that runs from the calcaneus to the ball of the foot). In some instances it may be a result of an injury, poor footwear or from some forms of arthritis.
Pain most often occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. In some instances a bony growth (heel spur) may be present on the calcaneus where the plantar fascia attaches. This spur will present on x-ray, although it is important to note that heel spurs are present naturally in 10 per cent of the population without any pain presentation.
If you present with these symptoms, consult a podiatrist. They can assist you with management of the condition. Management may include:
• Stretching
• Icing
• Taping and
• Orthotics (if the poor biomechanics are the main cause)
These modalities will help reduce symptoms over a period of time. The length of time is dependant on how long the pain has been present. Generally the longer the period of pain, the longer the healing time.
Naomi Williams, Podiatrist B App Sc (Pod) Hons M A Pod A
Freeman Podiatry and Biomechanics, Wollongong
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