Lose that heel pain

Causes of heel pain can include sporting activity, occupation, weight, footwear, a low or high arched foot, tissue tightness or muscle weakness.

Heel pain can be very stubborn to treat and often a combination of approaches is needed in treating plantar fasciitis. In the acute stage, treatment is aimed at reducing pain. This can include rest, no barefoot walking, ice, anti-inflammatories, comfortable footwear, taping, a foot roller, massage, orthotics and gel heel pads.

As things begin to settle the treatment shifts to stretching and strengthening the calf and foot muscles but without aggravating symptoms.

A sensible and gradual return to fitness and activity, while monitoring what aggravates or relieves your symptoms, is the best approach.

The important thing to remember is that any treatment plan should be tailored specifically for you - based on your history and a professional assessment and examination. The patients that tend to do best are those who combine guided self-help treatment at home with therapies offered in clinic.