HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO WEAR THE CORRECT SHOES?
Very important! The forces during walking and running are transmitted firstly through the feet and then to the rest of the body. A mal-distribution of forces can result in incorrect biomechanics. For example no arch support can make your feet over pronate and can give you calf, knee, hip and back problems.
WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS AND WILL THEY HELP ME?
Orthotics are tailor made insoles that you put into your shoe to correct foot position. With correct assessment to identify abnormal biomechanics, orthotics combined with physiotherapy and specific exercises/retraining can help to restore normal biomechanics.
I HAVE HAD HEEL PAIN FOR MONTHS, SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
The most common condition of the heel is plantarfascitis which is inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is tendonous tissue that goes under the foot and inserts into the heel. This structure can be overstressed by tight calves, walking a lot in unsupportive shoes, pronating feet and being overweight. There will be a feeling of a ‘pull’ under the heel bone. If left untreated a spur can develop on the bone which will need surgery to remove.