Latest article from Mark Roe Sports Physio Academy
If you are suffering from a pain under the foot or in the heel it may be that you have a condition called plantar fasciitis. This is different to the pain that some children get in the heel (Severs disease) when they go through a growth spurt.
There are many causes for plantar fasciitis including high or low arches of the feet, tight calf muscles, and tightness to the muscles which bend the toes. It may also be caused by certain types of football boot, or wearing the wrong boot for the type of ground you are playing on. In people less active it can be associated to a high body mass index. However for most young footballers the cause is most often tightness in the muscles of the lower limb.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs under the foot from the heel to the toes. It becomes irritated with certain activities like running or standing for long periods. It is said by some that it can also contribute to increasing knee pain in runners.
Plantar fasciitis can take a long time to settle if it is not managed well in the early stages. Treatment can involve stretching of the calf and foot, massage, physical therapy, electrotherapy like ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medication and in some cases steroid injections. Often sufferers will need to wear insoles in their sports shoes to correct the arch. Other people may use heat or ice, or use night splints to settle pain.
If you find the bottom of your foot start to give you pain try some calf stretches, ice the bottom of the foot, and have a period of rest from sport. Some people find it useful to roll the bottom of the foot on a golf ball. It can be very uncomfortable but very beneficial. If the pain doesn’t settle consult a physiotherapist for a more specific diagnosis.
A Chartered Physiotherapist should be able to analyse your foot and arches and get you to do a series of biomechanical tests to see if the function and performance of the foot needs to be altered. The physio can also check that you are doing your stretches correctly, or set you a new exercise programme to help get you back playing as quick as possible.
As further commitment from the league to our players' fitness we have negotiated a discount for all players of the Sheffield and District Junior Sunday Football League who attend the clinic for treatment. Players from any team in the League will receive a discount of £10 off their initial consultation following injury, and further discounts should follow-up sessions be required.
Mark Roe
Senior Sports Physiotherapist
The Mark Roe Sports Physio Academy - Sheffield
0114 2390022