Heel and arch pain is one of the most common complaints evaluated and treated at Entire Podiatry.  The most common cause of this pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis.  Patients and doctors often confuse the terms plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes; a heel spur is a spike-like projection of new bone that can form on the heel bone.  The heel spurs sometimes show on x-rays but it is very important to understand that they do not cause the initial pain, nor do they cause the initial problem.  Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

1. Pain in the morning when you first get out of bed
2. Pain and stiffness when you start to walk after sitting for a while
3. Increasing pain in your heel or arch towards the end of the day
4. Tired feet at the end of the day

Other causes of heel and arch pain include arthritis, infection, fractures and sprains, or even certain systemic diseases.  Because of the multiple possible causes you should see a podiatrist at Entire Podiatry for a thorough evaluation if you are experiencing heel or arch pain.

WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

The majority of heel and arch pain cases are biomechanically induced.  This occurs when excessive foot pronation, which elongates the foot, places increased traction on the plantar fascia.  This increased stress causes local inflammation and pain. 

THE TREATMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

At Entire Podiatry we are specialists in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and other causes of arch and heel pain. It is the most common complaint of clinic patients and we find that most patients respond well to our specialized treatment program.

Our treatment program involves relieving the inflammation which is causing your pain. This treatment may involve exercises, taping, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, prescription orthotics, or a combination of therapies.  More importantly, we will find the underlying cause and devise a personalised treatment plan to not only relieve your pain in the short run, but also prevent it from reoccurring.  We will evaluate your feet, walking pattern, shoes, activities, exercise methods, and other relevant information and then devise your treatment plan.

Most patients will respond to these conservative treatments, however some may require an injection in the heel to help with the pain, or in the worst cases may require an operation to release part of the plantar fascia ligament.