What should I do about heel pain?
There are several types of heel pain, but all of them are incapacitating and can not be tolerated long term. The pathology that most people are aware of is plantar fasciitis, but this is not the cause of all heel pain, and so it is important to have a correct diagnosis and not to just assume that it is what it is. This is why it is important to see a podiatrist within a few weeks of the onset of pain. We need to establish a cause,a diagnosis and form a treatment plan, to prevent an acute condition becoming chronic. Chronic pain takes longer to resolve, and in some cases becomes impossible to rectify.
Some heel pain can be directly linked to trauma, but more often there is a mechanical element to it. This is more complex and requires a thorough assessment leading to a multi faceted treatment regimen.
It is important that heel pain is not left untreated for more than a few weeks. If it doesn’t respond to ice/rest in the early days, then we need to see you. It can be as simple as changing a heel height on a shoe, or needing insoles and specific exercises, but come and use our expertise. People are usually surprised at the depth of our knowledge and how many practical solutions we suggest. We are often the last port of call for people, after the GP, osteopath and internet, which is rather surprising. We don’t just cut toenails!