What is Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition where the Achilles tendon is injured or damaged due to excessive and repetitive stress. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It facilitates the action of lifting heel off the ground, which is important for activities like walking, running and jumping. When the condition progresses to tendon degeneration, the tendon may enlarge and form nodules at the area where the tissue is damaged.

Factors That Can Increase Your Risk Of Getting Achilles Tendinopathy

• Repetitive high impact activities
• Abnormal biomechanics
• Abnormal foot structure
• Tight calf muscles
• Weak calf muscles
• Weight gain
• Sudden change or increase in activity

Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy

A common symptom of Achilles tendinopathy is pain at the back of the heel which may be accompanied with stiffness in the morning. Swelling may also occur at the back of the heel. The pain may also worsen during high impact activities like running and jumping.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of plantar fascial. Plantar fascial is a thick fibrous band that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. It helps to absorb shock and supports your feet when walking and running.

Plantar fasciitis is due to overuse of the plantar fascial, which can cause swelling and damage to the tissue. Heel spurs are common complication of plantar fasciitis due to constant pressure on the area. However, not all heel spurs are painful but it is an indication of a plantar fascial problem.

Factors That Can Increase Your Risk Of Getting Plantar Fasciitis

• Poor footwear
• Abnormal biomechanics
• Flat feet or high arch
• Tight calf muscles
• Weak foot and calf muscles
• Recent weight gain
• Recent increase in activity
• Occupations that require a lot of walking/standing

Symptoms & Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Atlas Podiatry – Your Ultimate Solution Provider for Plantar Fasciitis

Feeling discomfort in the bottom of the heel or the mid-foot part is a common symptom. Although it typically affects one foot, it can affect both. The pain gradually worsens over time. The discomfort can be mild or severe. An aching or burning sensation can be felt on the bottom of the foot, radiating outward from the heel in some cases. The discomfort is the worst in the morning as you get out of bed or after you’ve been sitting/ lying down for long. Even climbing stairs become painful as heels become stiff. Moreover, increased irritation or inflammation might cause even more pain after extended exertion. Plantar fasciitis patients frequently do not experience pain during the exercise but after it has ended.

Plantar fasciitis is most likely to affect active men and women between the ages of 40 and 70. It usually affects more women than men. It is commonly found in pregnant women, especially in the late stages of pregnancy.

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re more likely to get plantar fasciitis. The reason may be due to increased pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments, especially if you gain weight quickly. Our plantar fasciitis specialist will help you point out the root cause to the problem along with the remedy or treatment.

If you run long distances, you may be more susceptible to plantar fascia issues. You’re also in danger if you work in a hectic profession that requires you to be on your feet a lot, like a factory or a restaurant.

Plantar fasciitis can occur if you have structural issues with your feet, such as very high arches or very flat feet. Plantar fascia pain can also be caused by tight Achilles, the tendons that interconnect your calf muscles with your heels. It can also be caused by wearing shoes with soft soles and poor arch support. Fortunately, extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis can help.

Atlas Podiatry – The Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia is a weblike ligament, responsible for connecting your heel with the front of your foot. It helps you walk by acting as a shock absorber and supporting the foot’s arch.

Having plantar fasciitis is one of the most common complaints of individuals. The plantar fascia ligaments are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear as they play a significant role in walking, sitting, and running daily. The ligaments in your foot might be damaged or torn if you put too much pressure on them. When it is inflamed, you will experience stiffness and pain in your heel.

Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Atlas Podiatry offers the best treatments for plantar fasciitis, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, arch taping, and physical exercises.

Satisfactory Results

There is nothing more important to us than satisfying our clients with the best foot treatment. Whether it is treatment for plantar fasciitis or any other condition, you can rely on our expertise.  Our plantar fasciitis specialists will provide you with the best care to relieve your discomfort.

Years of Experience

When it comes to foot care and treatment, there is no better choice than Atlas Podiatry. Our team of podiatrists have more than 20 years of combined experience who know the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Get in touch with us for healthier feet and life!

What You Can Do To Relieve Your Heel Pain

• Rest and reduce weight bearing activities
• Avoid high impact activities
• Icing at the end of the day to reduce swelling
• Stretching of calf muscles
• Do not go barefoot at home, wear supportive shoe when outdoor

When Should You See A Podiatrist

As there are many other causes of heel pain, such as Haglund’s deformity, stress fractures, retrocalcaneal bursitis, etc., you should consult a Podiatrist if the above do not alleviate your symptoms.

How Can A Podiatrist Help

Your visit to the Podiatrist will consist of a thorough history of your pain, examination of your legs and feet, standing and gait (walking) analysis, footwear assessment, and individualized podiatry treatment.

Depending on your condition, the following treatment may be recommended by your Podiatrist

• Clinical orthotics (insoles) may be prescribed to help correct any abnormal foot mechanics and support the foot to reduce strain. It may be used together with heel pads to provide cushion and relieve pain
• Footwear advice will be given as part of the treatment to provide optimum support for your feet
• Taping may be used to stabilize and reduce pressure on your feet
• Shockwave therapy to stimulate and accelerate the healing process
• Personalized exercises to strengthen and stretch the weak and tight muscles that contribute to your heel pain