2019-11-01 Diabetic Living Australia

(Steven Felgate) #1

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I've had pain in my heel for
many months. I have been
resting it, but it is not getting
better. What should I do?

Danielle says: It is important
to know what is causing the
pain in your heel. One of the
most common problems is
plantar fasciitis, but there
are other reasons that should
be excluded during your
assessment with a podiatrist.
It may be recommended
that you have further
investigations, such as an
x-ray or ultrasound, to see
what else may be going on.
Heel pain can develop
suddenly or gradually. In
the case of plantar fasciitis,
it is a musculoskeletal injury
that results in inflammation
and pain under the heel as it
involves overstretching of the
thick fibrous tissue that forms
your arch. As it is difficult to
be off your foot completely to
let it repair, it can take time.
With the correct treatment,
your heel pain from plantar
fasciitis will resolve.
Treatments include gradual
stretching and strengthening,
cushions or foot orthoses,
compression, changing
footwear, shockwave
therapy or injection therapy,
depending on the severity. ➤

Danielle Veldhoen, podiatrist
Email your questions to:
[email protected]
Post: Diabetic Living, Q&A: Health,
GPO Box 7805, Sydney, NSW 2001.

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diabetic living NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 13
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