Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciopathy (Fasciitis) Treatment, Symptoms and Causes - Sydney
Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciopathy (Fasciitis) Treatment, Symptoms and Causes - Sydney
Heel pain is a common foot concern, and one of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, now known as plantar fasciopathy based on new research. This condition is characterised by pain in the heel, often most noticeable in the morning and improving throughout the day, although severity can vary. Heel pain is one of the most common foot concerns we see here at our Sydney based podiatry clinic, with plantar fasciitis being a leading cause.
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Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciopathy (Fasciitis) Treatment, Symptoms and Causes - Sydney
Heel pain is a common foot concern, and one of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, now known as plantar fasciopathy based on new research. This condition is characterised by pain in the heel, often most noticeable in the morning and improving throughout the day, although severity can vary. Heel pain is one of the most common foot concerns we see here at our Sydney based podiatry clinic, with plantar fasciitis being a leading cause.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heel pain caused by plantar fasciopathy can include:
- Pain felt in the heel
- Heel pain that is often more noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest
- Symptoms that may ease or change as activity continues throughout the day
- Pain that can vary in intensity depending on activity levels
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the heel
- Discomfort during weight bearing activities such as walking, running, or prolonged standing
Causes
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the front of the foot (metatarsal heads). Heel pain related to plantar fasciopathy primarily results from overuse, leading to micro-trauma within this connective tissue. Several factors can contribute to heel pain, including:
- Reduced lower limb and foot strength
- Different foot types, including high or low arches
- Wearing footwear that lacks proper support for your foot type
- Overuse, especially a sudden or excessive increase in activity that strains the plantar fascia
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of heel pain caused by plantar fasciopathy involves specific clinical tests such as palpation of the painful area, assessing joint range of motion, and sometimes a comprehensive analysis of your walking or running pattern.
At our Sydney based clinic, Sports Podiatry Manly, we use a pressure plate treadmill (Zebris) to thoroughly analyse plantar pressures within the feet. In severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend ultrasound or MRI imaging, although this is generally not necessary.
Treatment
Managing heel pain related to plantar fasciopathy focuses on appropriately engaging and strengthening the plantar fascia through tailored exercises. Maintaining proper load management is crucial, rather than completely stopping exercise. Additional therapeutic options that can support recovery include dry needling, shock-wave therapy, personalised footwear recommendations, soft-tissue massage, orthotic prescription, foot mobilisation, and taping techniques.
Many individuals experience noticeable improvement within several weeks to a few months, although complete resolution may take 6-12 months. In cases where heel pain is due to a diagnosed tear of the plantar fascia, management will vary slightly. Partial tears may mend within 6-8 weeks with proper immobilisation followed by targeted rehabilitation, while complete tears require a longer recovery period of 3-6 months or more, particularly if surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Manly NSW 2095, Australia
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