Are you experiencing pains in the heel of your foot? There are many different causes of heel pain, and if the pain is persistent or too much to bear, you need to book a physiotherapist appointment as soon as possible. A lot of people make the mistake of attempting to self-diagnose their condition, yet you certainly do not want to leave these sorts of things to chance, as there is always the chance that your injury could get a lot worse.
One of the most common sources of heel spin is a heel spur, which are bony growths that are attached to your calcaneus, your heel bone, and they grow into your foot arch. This is triggered by chronic plantar fasciitis, which is again another source of heel pain. Essentially, the plant fasciitis is an injury to your plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that originates from your heel bone and extends along your sole towards your toes. Plantar fasciitis is when this connective tissue becomes inflamed or develops micro-tears, and a chronic form of this condition can cause heel spurs.
Both conditions are common, but there are other sources of heel pain as well, which is why an accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance. When you book an appointment with a physio, the first thing they will do is carry out a thorough assessment of your heel to determine what is causing your pain. They may carry out a number of different diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of the issue. This stage in the recovery really cannot be undervalued, as an accurate diagnosis is essential if your treatment is to be a success.
Once the issue has been determined and the extent of the damage is known, the therapist will then put together an effective treatment plan, which will be focused on alleviating pain and then ensuring that normal functionality returns as quickly as possible. This will involve a wide range of techniques, such as massage, exercises, and ice or heat application. A lot of people look for the best CBD oil to assist with pain nowadays as well and to aid the process.
Calf/Achilles tightness
The Achilles tendon joins your calf muscles and your heel bone, and if you are experiencing tightness in this area, it could be as the result of a condition that is impacting your tendon. It is important to get this seen to as quickly as possible, as your Achilles tendon has the important function of helping your foot to bend downwards at the ankle, thus this condition may not only cause pain but it could limit movement too.
Aside from tightness, there are several other signs that you could be experiencing a problem with your Achilles, including weakness, swelling, and pain, while you may also find it difficult to walk, and your symptoms may be worse in the morning. The causes vary too, with injuries to the Achilles tendon being attributed to the likes of overuse of the tendon, poor flexibility, training on hard or sloped surfaces, a change to your training techniques, training while wearing inappropriate footwear and having a high-arched foot.
If you think you could be suffering from an Achilles tendon injury, the best thing to do is organise an appointment with a specialist, and they will carry out a thorough assessment so we can get to the bottom of the problem. This will include an examination of the calf/Achilles area while we may need to carry out several tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scan. This part of the process is exceptionally important, as an accurate diagnosis is imperative in ensuring you make a full and quick recovery.
A specialist will then put together the most effective course of treatment, which will involve an array of techniques, such as strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, ice or heat application, wearing a brace, massage, stretching exercises and more. These techniques are all designed to ensure that pain is alleviated and that you can return to normal movement and functionality as quickly as possible.
An important part of the recovery process is self-care, and your physiotherapist will ensure you receive full details on how to manage your condition effectively at home so that it does not get worse. It is imperative to follow the instructions that are given to you, as you could end up reversing all the good that was done during the treatment session.
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