Plantar Fasciitis (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Plantar Fasciopathy (often referred to as Plantar Fasciitis) is extremely common. 1 in 6 of us will experience this pain at some point in our lives. However, this condition is commonly misdiagnosed as there as so many different pathologies that can cause pain under the heel.
There are a number of causes for Plantar Fasciopathy, and various factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition. Read on to learn more about how we can help you manage your Plantar Heel Pain.
Plantar Fasciitis – Risk Factors
Training Error
‘Too much too soon after doing too little for too long’
We find that Heel Pain sufferers can often relate to this phrase. Plantar Heel Pain is often a result of an increase in Load. This can stem from training error, weight gain, footwear changes and many other factors.
Body Mass Index
The heavier we are (greater our BMI) the more susceptible we are to foot pain, especially heel pain. Load management and movement to encourage weight loss will be not only good for the feet, but also the cardiovascular system. Let us help you be a healthier you.
Flat or High Arched Feet
Constant strain on the tissues in the bottom of the feet can cause pain that is experienced in the heel. However, this can be coming from compressions on nerves as well as tractions on soft tissue insertions. Mechanical issues that may be associated with flat or high arched feet can lead to the development of Plantar Heel Pain
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What else can cause Heel Pain?
Fat Pad Atrophy
The Fat Pad on the bottom of the heel should be plump and supple, allowing for effective shock absorption. Sometimes, with age, overuse or trauma, the fat pad can become thinner, giving the underlying tissues and bone less protection. We think of this a little bit like running a car on low tyre pressures.
Calcaneal Spur
Bony spurs on the base of the heel can cause sharp pain on weightbearing, as the spur itself frictions and puts pressure on the surrounding tissues.
This condition is not as common as we previousy thought. Generally, diagnostic imaging is required to be sure of the presence of a bony spur. Often, calcifications in the Plantarfascia itself will be mistaken for bony spurs. Radial Shockwave Therapy can be extremely effective in the breakdown of calcifications causing pain within tendons & fascia.
Nerve Compression / Entrapment
‘Burning’ or ‘Tingling’ pains in the Foot & Ankle are often the result of nerve irritation. The nerves on the inside of the ankle feed the tissues of the heel. Compression of these nerves can lead to painful symptoms on the heel. This can often be mistaken for Plantar Fasciopathy.
Struggling with Plantar Fasciitis?
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