Foot Pain or Discomfort around the Heel or Arch of the Foot
Is it time to see a Podiatrist?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or overloaded.
The plantar fascia plays an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and helping absorb forces during walking. When excessive strain is placed on this structure, pain and inflammation may develop, usually beneath the heel.
Common Symptoms
People with plantar fasciitis may experience:
Pain beneath the heel when taking the first steps in the morning
Heel pain after periods of rest
Discomfort during prolonged standing or walking
Tenderness beneath the heel when pressing on the area
Pain that improves slightly with movement but returns later in the day
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Why it Develops
Plantar fasciitis usually develops due to repeated strain on the plantar fascia.
Several factors may contribute, including:
Reduced ankle mobility
Tight calf muscles
Foot mechanics such as excessive pronation
High arches affecting load distribution
Sudden increases in activity levels
Prolonged standing or walking
Because the plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot during walking, abnormal foot
mechanics may increase strain on this structure.
Assessment and Diagnosis
At Absolute Footcare, plantar fasciitis is assessed through a detailed gait and biomechanical assessment.
This assessment allows us to evaluate how the foot functions during walking and identify mechanical factors that may be contributing to increased strain on the plantar fascia.
We use a Footscan pressure plate system to analyse how pressure is distributed across the foot during walking and identify abnormal loading patterns.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified during your assessment.
Possible treatments may include:
Custom Orthotics
Rehabilitation exercises
Shockwave therapy
Biomechanical and Gait analysis
Footwear Advice
Steroid Injection
Book a Gait and Biomechanical Assessment
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, the best first step is to arrange a gait and biomechanical assessment.