What is my heel pain?
When Plantar Fasciitis Becomes Problematic! Heel pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The root of the problem can range from condition to condition, each of which needs different treatment - so it’s vital, that when symptoms persist, to speak to a doctor who will refer you to a physio or sports massage therapist. Or go down the self referral route.
Plantar Fasciitis One of the most prevalent causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis however, plantar fasciitis is still the most common cause of heel pain that I’ll see in my sports massage clinic in Doncaster. The good thing is, most cases respond well and quickly to the massage treatments that I offer.
The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or strained. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation at the bottom of the heel, typically worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Sound familiar? I would advise booking in for a consultation as soon as possible. Inflammation & tension on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the fascia over time. Your pain will gradually worsen as a result, and if left untreated, these tears could multiply and enlarge, making the plantar fascia more prone to rupture and disablement.
Other causes But what if your heel pain doesn’t sound like plantar fasciitis? What could it be? Well, there’s a few options.
Achilles Tendinitis, as the name suggests, occurs when the achilles tendon (which connects the calf muscles to the heel), becomes inflamed. It most commonly occurs in people who engage in repetitive, high-impact activities. Usually this feels like a dull ache in the heel.
Heel spurs, on the other hand, are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They often accompany conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis and can lead to more localised pain.
All of the above can be treated in my Doncaster Sports Massage & Pain Management Clinic, but prevention is always better than the cure! Heel pain can be avoided, with adjustments as simple as wearing the correct footwear! Arch-support & cushioning is important when avoiding heel pain during activity!
Of course, sometimes heel pain is down to sudden traumatic injury or your body's biomechanics - such as flat feet! But physio & sports massage therapy can be the key to regaining heel-health!
Based in the heart of Doncaster, my sports massage clinic is client centered and designed to target the root cause of pain, discomfort & issues with range of movement! After a detailed consultation, I’ll be in a better position to put together a plan that is best suited to you & the heel-pain you’re experiencing. This may include extensive soft-tissue therapy & massage, referrals for footwear modification or orthotics as well as stretching & other exercises to be undertaken at home with progress monitored in clinic.
Heel pain isn’t something to be ignored as ‘just and ache and pain’ that comes with getting older. Left untreated, it can & will gradually get worse overtime. If you’re local to the Yorkshire area, schedule a consultation with myself in my Doncaster Clinic & begin your journey to wellness!