The heel takes a lot of pressure when we are walking, running or indeed, doing any activity on our feet. Pain in this area of the body can be caused by a variety of different problems; it may be plantar fasciopathy, nerve pain, bruising, compression of the natural fatty pad of the heel, a bony lump called Haglund’s bump or something else. Heel pain is relatively common but not necessarily easily diagnosed.
We offer a thorough examination of your foot and lower leg to diagnose the source of your pain, find a solution to the root cause and help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
One of the most common problems linked to heel pain, this is often caused by a sudden increase in activity (like starting to run regularly or doing a very long walk without training), standing or walking for long periods in very flat shoes, weight gain or a combination of factors.
It is often characterised by stiffness and pain around the heel first thing in the morning, or after any period of rest which can, but not always, ease off during the day. It usually gets worse again after sitting or resting for a while and often causes you to limp for those first few steps. The discomfort may be anywhere around the heel and/or the arch of your foot.
The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue on the sole of the foot which attaches to your heel bone and is involved in all activities you do on your feet. Pain is a result of too much pressure – either tension or compression on the plantar fascia.
Treatments may be related to strengthening and stretching, orthotics to support and align the feet, strapping to support the structures of the foot and therapies such as our laser or shockwave machines to reduce pain and promote healing.
