Do you experience pain radiating down the inside of the sole of the foot within the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning? Then you could be suffering heel pain technically known as Plantar Fasciitis.
The people most likely to develop this condition, are usually women, overweight people, or people who have a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces. People with very flat feet or very high arches may also be more prone to plantar fasciitis.
A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means you have inflamed the tough, fibrous band on tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes.
Helping to prevent pain
Ensure that you wear appropriate supportive well-fitting footwear when exercising, walking or standing up for long periods. If your weight is a contributing factor, consult a health professional for a healthy weight control plan. Physiotherapists can provide you with a sensible exercise program tailored to your needs and taking into account your foot problems so that it is not aggravated. Stretching the archilles tendon and plantar fasia, as demonstrated by your physiotherapist especially before and after exercise may help to prevent the problem from returning.
Treatment after diagnosis
Your physiotherapist can evaluate the way you walk to determine if there is a biomechanical cause of your condition. They may recommend insoles to support your inner arch and exercises to strengthen the muscles and/or stretch the muscles and fascia. You may reduce the pain and inflamation by using ice or heat, or electrotherapeutic modalities like interferential or ultrasound. Stiff joints around the foot and ankle can be treated using mobilisation, where the physiotherapist gently moves the joints manually to remove the stiffness and restore the normal range of movement. Stretching the plantar fascia is very important for encouraging the tissue to regain its normal alignment.
Ask about the range of techniques and equipment for stretching at home. Your physiotherapist will show you how to tape your foot to support the plantar fascia and relieve some of the strain. If not treated, plantar fasciitis, may become a chronic condition, which is much more difficult to treat, as it could lead to problems affecting the foot, knee, hip and back.
For further help with feet or any other treatments phone Maleny Physiotherapy on 5494 3911. Appointments with podiatrist Ben Stasiak also available on Thursday afternoons.
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