While numerous factors and conditions can lead to foot pain, the most common condition is heel pain. Heel pain is generally associated with inflamation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis), which is a broad band of fibrous tissue covering the bottom of your foot. Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and heel syndrome are painful conditions often caused by a sudden increase in activity such as taking up a new sport or an unusually long walk in unsuitable shoes.

The main causes for heel pain are:

• Over stretching of the plantar fascia ligament causing plantar fasciitis and ball of foot pain
• A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy or obesity can also lead to plantar fascitis
• Over pronation i.e flat feet associated with arch collapse
• High arches that pull on the muscles
• Tight calf muscles caused from poor or little stretching
• Muscle tension that pulls away a piece of the bone
• Biomechanical problems (walking abnormalities)
• Osteoarthritus and rheumatoid arthritis

To help prevent heel pain and associated symptoms excessive pressure needs to be removed from the effected areas of the foot. Other heel pain treatment / plantar fasciitis treatment techniques include:

• Wearing the correct footwear for both everyday and sporting activities
• Using insoles that support the arch and reduce tension on the ligament (See below)
• Making use of a heel pad, heel cushion or slight heel lift to relieve pressure (See below)
• Using a heel cup to add extra shock absorption to shoes (See below)
• Ice massage to reduce inflammation and relieve tension
• Stretching calf muscle to reduce tightness.

Our recommended Orthotics / Gel Insoles, Arch supports, and Heel Pads are designed to help with the above conditions by reducing excessive pressure on the heel, arch and forefoot, therefore allowing the foot to recover as quickly as possible.

In severe and chronic cases of heel discomfort, heel spurs may require surgical correction. If heel pain is chronic and persists, see a podiatrist for specific heel pain treatment.