October 2009

Does your heel feel like it is Bruised for no reason?
By Tanya Zentner

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when excessive subtalar joint pronation lowers the arch structure causing the foot to elongate and traction forces are placed on the plantar fascia, resulting in inflammation of the plantar calcaneal attachments, causing pain that can feel like a bruised heel. Sometimes it results in enough pain and discomfort to hinder one’s ability to walk. This condition is more commonly found in people with high arches, and runners who did not allow for ample warm up activity. Pain can be felt medially, laterally or in the centre of the heel as depicted here.

To prevent and aid in treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, the pre-cursor to the development of a heel spur, orthotics will aid in the correction and control of excessive pronation, thus restoring the foot’s natural arch and relieving traction forces. Purchasing footwear with better arch support is also advised.  In doing so this will aid in relieving associated heel pain and discomfort. 

A treatment for plantar fasciitis is placing an ice pack on the sole of the foot particularity at the insertion point of the fascia, as seen marked by the red spot in the diagram below, for 10 minutes and then 5 minutes off. Repeat this three to four times per treatment, twice or more if needed each day. Gentle massage treatments like effleurage, a French word meaning "to skim" or "to touch lightly on", is a series of massage strokes, is a very soothing to the inflamed tissues and encourages circulation thus flowing excess fluid back towards the heart. If the condition is treated in its early stages, it will help prevent a heel spur from developing.
Photo source: http://www.burlingtonsportstherapy.com/

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