Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciosis/Fasciitis)

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciosis/Fasciitis)

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. Our Podiatrists can distinguish between all the possibilities whilst determining the underlying source of your heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciosis?

Plantar fasciitis is a chronic degeneration of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciosis relates to a “faulty” structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciosis. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts an abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciosis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciosis.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
• Pain in the bottom of the heel
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over a period of months

People with plantar fasciosis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they’ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia. For some people the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.

Diagnosis

To arrive at a diagnosis, our Podiatrists will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process the Podiatrist will rule out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis. In addition, diagnostic imaging studies such as x-rays or other imaging modalities may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain. Sometimes heel spurs are found in patients with plantar fasciitis, but these are rarely a source of pain. When they are present, the condition may be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.

Conservative Treatment

A treatment plan based on the specificities of your individual case will be tailored by one of our highly qualified Podiatrists, such as:

• Strapping techniques
• Stretching and Strengthening muscles
• Loading and strengthening Exercises
• Footwear Advice
• Biomechanical Assessment and use of orthotics

When Is Surgery Needed?

Although most patients with plantar fasciosis respond to non-surgical treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If, after several months of non-surgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgery will be considered. A referral to our Podiatric Surgeon, Ozan Amir may be required. Ozan will discuss the surgical options with you and determine which approach would be most beneficial for you.