What is Plantar Fasciopathy?
Plantar fasciopathy (or fasciitis) also known as heel pain is pain under the heel during weight-bearing activities. It is also sometimes called plantar heel pain. Plantar fasciopathy refers to an irritation and overload of the plantar fascia (connective tissue that supports the structure of the foot). It is commonly diagnosed in active/sedentary people. Although it is most common in people that over-weight bear.
What causes plantar fasciopathy?
Plantar Fasciopathy is caused and linked by:
- An increased force being transmitted by the plantar fascia
- Sharp changes in load
- High body mass index (BMI) is linked with this condition
- People aged 40-60 years old
- Excessive rolling in of the foot during weight bearing activities
How do I know if I have plantar fasciopathy?
You may have Plantar fasciopathy if you have pain under your heel. Your physiotherapist or podiatrist will be able to diagnose your condition by preforming tests to assess the support structures and motions of your foot. It is important that you are diagnosed correctly as there are a number of condition with the same symptoms.
How can physiotherapy help with plantar fasciopathy?
There is a variety of treatments for ways in which Plantar Fasciopathy can be managed by your physiotherapist, this include:
- Load management – decreasing the amount of pressure you put on yourself.
- Exercises – Strengthening exercises may be used for the foot and calf muscles to help improve your ability to take pressure.
- Taping- This can reduce pain
- Orthotics – Generic orthotic devices can be inserted into your shoe to provide extra support to the structure of your foot in which can decrease pain.
- Adjunct treatments – massage, mobilisation and dry needling
What can I do at home?
You should complete the exercises prescribed to you by your physiotherapist and relieve pain by using ice, orthotics or gel heel inserts. It maybe possible to wear supportive shoes to reduce pain instead of walking barefoot. Ask your physiotherapist to show you how to tape your foot as this will reduce pain.
How long will my recovery be?
If your symptoms are managed and controlled correctly it may take up to 6 months. Whilst without correct management it may take much longer.
If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.
Back to Physiotherapy for Your Foot
Reference: Australian Physiotherapy Association 2019, Your Body, viewed 19 November 2019, < https://australian.physio/>.