Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis, also known as jogger’s heel
or policeman’s heel, is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes.
The plantar fascia provides passive support to prevent excessive flattening of the arch of the foot, and it also acts as an active sensory structure, giving the brain feedback about the position of the ankle and foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by chronic irritation of the plantar fascia, usually due to overstretching, overuse or a combination of factors.
Causes
- Sports that place excessive stress on the heel and attached tissues, such as running, ballet or aerobics, particularly if you have tight calf muscles or a stiff ankle or big toe from a previous injury, which can limit ankle movement and increase your risk
- Carrying extra weight, which increases strain on the plantar fascia
- Jobs that involve long periods of walking or standing on hard surfaces, such as factory work, teaching or hospitality
- Wearing poorly supportive shoes, which increases load through the plantar fascia
- Flat feet or high arches, which reduce shock absorption and can stretch or strain the plantar fascia
- Weak intrinsic foot muscles and poor foot control, leading to fatigue and overload of the plantar fascia
- Reduced mobility in the ankle or big toe, increasing load on the fascia
- The presence of a calcaneal (heel) spur, which can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis
If you are experiencing heel pain, book an appointment with our practitioners at New Lambton Podiatry. We will provide you with a clear diagnosis, identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan to not only relieve your pain but also address the cause to help prevent it from returning.
