Plantar fasciitis (heel-spur pain, policeman’s heel)

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes pain under the heel. The fibrous tissue under the foot can be damaged by stress injuries and cause pain from stretched nerve endings running through it. 

What can trigger this condition?

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Poorly fitted shoes • Suffering from diabetes
• Running and jogging
• Spending the majority of the working day on your feet
• Flat feet or high arches
• Old age 

How can plantar fasciitis be effectively treated?

Simple supports in the shoe can offload the tissue and allow it to heal. In severe cases various injections can reduce pain and promote healing, which are given under a local anaesthetic.

Are there any risks involved?

The substances injected by way of treatment range from steroids to glucose solutions (Prolotherapy). A full and detailed medical history is taken before treatment and any potential side-effects are fully explained. How can painful heels be prevented? Proper footwear can help reduce heel pain. Shoe inserts may help ease existing pain and prevent the condition from advancing.