Plantar fasciitis: A common cause of heel and foot pain

One in ten people are thought to suffer from plantar fasciitis, making it one of the most common causes of foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is a pain in the bottom of your foot around the heel and arch, which can be a sudden onset or a gradual occurrence.
The plantar fascia is a thick tendon-like structure which runs down the foot from the beginning of the toes to the heel. It helps with shock absorption when walking and supporting the arch of your feet. Plantar fasciitis is a small tear along the plantar fascia, usually at the point it inserts into the heel bone, which causes a sharp stabbing pain. A tell-tale sign of plantar fasciitis is that you experience this pain either first thing in the mornings or after periods of rest.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Having high foot arches or flat feet, obesity and having tight calf muscles are a few common causes. People who participate in a sport which involves repetitive impact like dancing or long-distance running or that exercise on hard floors are also more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Women are also more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis than men because of wearing high heels which can put more strain on the arch.
Podiatrists can help with this pain with shoe recommendations as well as possible insoles. When we look at footwear, we focus on support for the foot, cushioning to reduce the pressure going through the foot and also a small heel raise to reduce the tension along the plantar fascia from the heel to the toes.
Insoles can be used to support the structure of the arch, improve foot function and reduce the pressure and tension along the plantar fascia. These can either be off the shelf or custom made, depending on how complex your prescription is.
If plantar fasciitis, or any other heel pain, is something you are concerned about, please call Dulwich Podiatry Ltd on 020 8693 6000 or book an appointment on our website now!