THIS week's contributor is Amit Saha, M-Pharm, MBA, MPS group technical manager, LaCorium Health - Put your best foot forward: Suddenly found it's painful to stand or walk? You are not alone; heel pain is common and most often due to plantar fasciopathy, often referred to as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a piece of strong, thick tissue running along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes, creating the arch of the foot. It supports the arch of the foot and takes the strain when we stand, walk or run. We tend to only become aware of this vital piece of foot architecture when it starts to complain.
Plantar fasciitis is most common in the 40-60 year age group, accounts for up to 15% of all foot complaints and occurs in up to one in 10 regular runners but equally in non-sporty people too. The good news is that for most people, symptoms resolve or improve with simple treatment such as rest, ice therapy and painkillers including topical pain relief products.
Your healthcare professional can diagnose, give exercises and an individualised program progressively increasing activity.
Other treatment techniques include manual manipulation, taping, or prescribing insoles.
Dermal Therapy has added a topical foot and knee pain relief gel in its ever-expanding foot care armour, for effective pain relief associated with plantar fasciitis.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 18 Oct 21
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