We have a range of treatments. These include, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy (ESWT), use of CAM boots and showeare recommendation/modification.
It’s really important to do a proper examination and then determine the most effective treatment plan.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain can be the same thing. It is really important that if you do have heel pain, especially if it has been there for a few days and not improving, then you need to see your podiatrist for an assessment. The earlier we can intervene, often the easier it is to resolve.
Standing all day, in a single position is somewhat unnatural. If possible try and do small walks on regular intervals to get the feet moving and blood circulating..
Once again good footwear is the key. Ensure that footwear is supportive and comfortable. Supportive innersoles assist with prolonged periods of pressure on the foot. Rest, ice and massage are all great ways to minimise pain. In addition, aids such as standing matts or soft surfaces reduce pressure from hard floors.
Altered gait patterns such as limping, misalignment of the knee and favouring of one leg, can result in heel pain as compensatory muscles and ligaments are overworked and pressure distributions on the foot are compromised. The hip connects to the thigh and knee, and knee to the leg and foot. All these parts work together as one and if one is injured, it affects the other parts.
Increased stress of the foot is the most common cause of heel pain. This can be from a dramatic increase in activity (walking, running) to moving house (lifting boxes etc) to starting a new job that requires you to be on your feet more often.
It is essential that your foot is working to its maximum potential to allow these stresses to be handled more easily. Things like changes to shoe wear and orthotics are very effective ways to optimise your foot function. We have been doing this for years and can help you get back in control of your foot pain.