Policeman’s Foot Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Our police force: while they’re well known for their strength and law enforcement, there’s a specific condition that we tend to see most often in police officers, and it’s been coined (not by us) as policeman’s foot. The name actually originates from the “ol days” when officers would patrol the streets by foot, and so would rack up countless kms of their feet and heels every day. Even with more ‘car’ patrols these days, the demanding work of our men and women in blue is still significant, and so policeman’s heel pain is still very much prevalent. Here’s what you should know about this condition. 

 

What is Policeman’s Foot Syndrome?

The type of heel pain that policeman’s foot is known for is called plantar fasciitis. This condition refers to the inflammation and damage of a thick band of connective tissue called the plantar fascia that originates at the base of the heel and extends across the arch to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch and is engaged with every step we take. Spending prolonged periods on your feet can lead to plantar fasciitis, especially if you have other predisposing factors like your foot posture (including flat feet or high arches), unsupportive footwear, intense training, increased weight, walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods, trauma, and repetitive strain on the feet and heels.

 

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

You may be able to recognise plantar fasciitis by its distinct symptoms, which include:

• Pain at the bottom of the heel and/or inner heel that sometimes radiates into the arch
• Morning pain upon waking when you first start walking.
• Pain that subsides after a few minutes of walking.
• Pain upon standing after rest.
• Sharp and/or throbbing pain.

 

What Should You Do?

If you suspect that you have policeman’s foot or are experiencing heel pain, the first step is to consult with a podiatrist who can develop a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms, underlying causes, and daily activities. Your treatment plan may involve ensuring that your shoes (whether you’re a police officer or not) are supporting your plantar fascia, heels and arches (we are able to make footwear modifications to help with this), using shockwave therapy to help repair the damaged fascia and accelerate your healing, using custom foot orthotics to support your feet and arches while reducing daily strain and promoting healing and repair, using foot mobilisation techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises, and helping you manage your acute symptoms to give you some much needed pain relief. 

 

Can Plantar Fasciitis Resolve On Its Own Without Treatment?

In mild cases that are caught early, symptoms may improve with rest, stretching, and supportive footwear. With that said, most of the time this does not address the cause of the plantar fasciitis, and so symptoms can quickly restart and worsen. 

 

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Plantar Fasciitis?

The recovery period varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors, but with professional care, most individuals experience significant improvement within several weeks to a few months.

 

Can I Continue Exercising Or Participating In Sports With Plantar Fasciitis?

It’s important to modify activities and avoid high-impact exercises that exacerbate pain during the healing process. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on suitable modifications and recommend alternative exercises that won’t strain the plantar fascia. The same applies to work-related training.

 

Are There Any Preventive Measures To Avoid Developing Plantar Fasciitis For Police Officers?

Wearing supportive footwear, gradually increasing exercise intensity, maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine, and seeking early treatment for foot problems can help prevent or reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.