THE R4P HEEL PAIN
SERVICE
the r4p heel pain service
Heel pain which can also be known as Plantar Fasciitis or Plantar Fasciopathy is an extremely debilitating and uncomfortable condition. Whilst a number of structures can be the pain driver in these conditions what they have in common is the location of pain on the sole or plantar aspect of the foot.
**If you require a new assessment for your heel pain with our Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant Dr. Nigel Jones please book here.
If you require more information please read on.
The conditions involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue which runs across the bottom of your foot from the base of the tones to the heel bone (calcaneum). The pain can spread across the whole sole of the foot but is most commonly located on the inside of the heel bone and provoked with palpation, stretching or standing and walking.
The pain associated with this condition is usually described as sharp or stabbing and is most noticeable with the first few steps after prolonged sitting or sleeping.
Like many conditions Heel pain affects both athletes and non-athletes and the onset of symptoms is commonly associated with a change in load (such as in increase in walking or running distances) though on occasion their may be a systemic reason.
It is best to consider the condition as on the continuum of tendinopathy, acute onsets of plantar fasciopathy usually result in a thickening of the plantar fascia close to its calcaneal insertion, this can be identified and measured on ultrasound imaging.
If the condition persists it can result in increasing inflammation, pain and micro tears associated with pathological tissue.
Most people who present with heel pain will recover fully, although it can be slow and take several months.
The sooner you present with heel pain to get the correct advice the easier it is to reverse the symptoms.
The longer you have had it the more likely the pathological changes are to have developed and the treatment program will take longer.
Management –
1. Accurate diagnosis and prognosis
2. Load and activity modification
3. Advice on medication
4. Appropriate therapeutic modalities and treatment interventions
5. Footwear/insole modification
6. Bespoke exercise program to stretch and strengthen appropriate tissues to restore the load
bearing capabilities of the foot and ankle complex within a comprehensive lower body
conditioning program
7. On occasion, injections or referral to a foot and ankle specialist may be required to progress
recovery
8. We will guide you through all the relevant pathways depending on the diagnosis
If you require an initial assessment with one of our Specialist Lower Limb Physiotherapists please book here
