Here’s a surprising twist: That sharp heel pain you’ve been blaming on plantar fasciitis might not just be about your foot. According to Travell and Simons’ Trigger Point Model, the soleus muscle—a key calf muscle—could be playing a major role by referring pain to your heel or arch.
Let’s break it down:
🔍 How the Soleus Muscle Can Mimic Plantar Fasciitis
Referred Pain Areas: Trigger points in the soleus can send pain signals to the heel, arch, and sometimes the back of the ankle. This pain often feels like classic plantar fasciitis but originates higher up in the calf.
Aggravating Factors: Activities that load the soleus muscle, like running, walking uphill, or prolonged standing, can worsen the pain. Tight footwear and poor ankle mobility can also contribute.
Contributing Factors:
Poor circulation or metabolic health in the muscle.
Overuse or repetitive strain without proper recovery.
Weakness or lack of flexibility in the calves, leading to muscle tension.
✅ How Heel Raises Can Help
The Rathleff 2014 Protocol, which focuses on slow, controlled heel raises, doesn’t just target the plantar fascia—it also helps resolve soleus-related pain by:
Boosting Circulation: Improved blood flow helps flush out metabolic waste, which can contribute to trigger points.
Releasing Trigger Points: Repeated contraction and relaxation of the soleus during heel raises reduces muscle tension and referred pain.
Building Strength: Strengthening the soleus enhances its endurance, reducing the likelihood of overloading and developing new trigger points.
🔑 What to Look For and Avoid
If you have tight calves or experience heel pain after calf-loading activities, the soleus might be the hidden culprit.
Avoid aggravating factors like poorly fitted shoes, sudden spikes in activity, or skipping recovery after workouts.
🎯 Ready to Tackle the Real Source of Your Pain?
Addressing soleus health is just one part of the puzzle in my multi-dimensional Foundation First™ Plantar Fasciitis Recovery Protocol.
Whether it’s improving your gait, boosting circulation, or resolving trigger points, we focus on treating the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Drop a comment or email me if you want to learn more (dan@kinfolkwellness.com.au)
Let’s get to the sole(us) of the problem and put you on the path to pain-free steps! 💪✨
#PlantarFasciitis #SoleusTriggerPoints #ReferredPainRelief #TravellAndSimons #PainFreeFeet