There are many conditions which lead to heel pain, some are more common than others

If you suffer from any of these conditions, get in touch with us.
Contact us for a consultationView our treatments

Plantar Fasciopathy (Plantar Fasciitis)

Plantar Fasciopathy is sometimes called Plantar Fasciitis or Chronic Plantar Heel Pain. It causes pain in the soft tissue in the heel and the bottom of the foot. The plantarfascia is a soft tissue structure that helps maintain the shape of the foot and arch by supporting the bones, joints, and muscles for walking. Plantar Fasciopathy can last anywhere from a few weeks to years if left untreated.

Symptoms:

  • Pain at base of heel which can radiate towards the arch of the foot.
  • 1st-step pain in the mornings after getting out of bed or after sitting for a prolonged period.
  • Swelling at base of the heel
  • Pain can be mild dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain.

As the damage to the Plantar Fascia can worsen, this condition must be effectively managed to prevent a partial tear, or even a complete rupture of the fascia.

Causes:

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Poor footwear
  • Increased weight
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fat Pad Atrophy
  • Foot biomechanics
  • Injury/trauma

All of these can lead to increased strain on the plantar fascia which can result in the pain and pathology. It is important we address the cause of the plantar fasciopathy in order to resolve the condition permanently.

Related conditions:

Some conditions that may be mistaken for Plantar Fasciopathy include:

  • Fat Pad Atrophy/Heel pad syndrome
  • Bony Heel Spurs
  • Nerve Entrapment
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Calcaneal bruising or stress fracture
  • Soft tissue bruising
  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
  • Tendinopathies

How we can help?

View our treatments

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are a shelf-like protrusion of bone arising from the underside of the calcaneus (heel bone). They are often wrongly blamed as the cause of heel pain-diagnosed instead of plantar fasciopathy. Many people who have no pain or symptoms have heel spurs. Heel spurs form due to repetitive traumatic forces acting on the insertion of the plantar fascia into the heel.

Symptoms:

  • Pain directly under the heel
  • Pain in heel throughout the day there worse barefoot or on hard floors
  • Bony prominence felt under the heel

Causes:

  • Biomechanical abnormalities within the foot and leg
  • Age
  • Reduced Fat Pad thickness
  • Genetics
  • Poor footwear

How we can help?

View our treatments

Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis)

The Achilles tendon is the longest and one of the strongest tendons in the body. Damage or injury to the Achilles tendon usually results from chronic overuse leading to pain, decreased exercise tolerance of the tendon, and a reduction in function.

Symptoms:

  • Soft tissue swelling
  • Pain at the back of the heel and along Achilles tendon just above the heel and just below the calf muscle
  • Stiffness and soreness often upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest
  • When the disorder progresses to degeneration, the tendon may become enlarged and may develop nodules

Causes:

  • Repetitive or sudden increase of activity and excessive compression appear to be key factors in the onset of tendinopathy
  • Biomechanical factors such as excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) or leg length discrepancy
  • Body composition
  • Increase in interval training or change of surface
  • Inappropriate worn-out footwear

How we can help?

View our treatments

Severs Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 – 14 years old, because the heel bone is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate and is more vulnerable than the strong surrounding bone. When there is too much repetitive stress or forces on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp or aching pain at the back of the heel
  • Pain during or after physical activity
  • Tightness through calves
  • Swelling at the back of the heel
  • Pain settles with rest and ICE but comes back with activity
  • Limping after activity
  • Walking on toes
  • Pain when both sides of the heel are squeezed

Causes:

Overuse and stress on the heel bone through participation in sports are major causes of Server’s disease. The growth plate on the heel is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in inflammation. This condition is common in children who play football, rugby, netball or basketball.

How we can help?

View our treatments