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Heel pain, Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
A common foot complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel. This is often referred to as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
It commonly is painful the first few steps in the morning or after
rest. It tends to get worse the longer one stands during the day. It is
caused by subtle changes in foot structure that occurs over time. These
changes result in the gradual flattening of the arch. As this occurs a
thick ligament (the plantar fascia) that is attached to the bottom of
the heel and fans out into the ball of the foot is stretched
excessively. This ligament acts as a shock absorber while walking. As
the foot flattens it stretches. If it stretches too much it gets
inflamed and causes pain. Over time the pull of the ligament creates a
spur on the heel bone. It is important to realize that it is not the
spur that causes the pain and therefore the spur does not need to be
removed in most cases. This condition may also cause generalized arch
pain called plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar
fascial ligament. A common factor that
contributes to this condition is tightness of the calf muscles. Women
who wear high heels and people who walk for exercise will often develop
this problem because of the tightness that results in the calf muscle
as a result of these activities. A non-supportive shoe also contributes
to this problem. Weight gain is another factor in developing heel pain. Home Treatments Stretching Calf
muscle stretching is very useful. The typical runners stretch by
leaning into a wall is helpful. An alternative method of stretching is
to stand approximately two feet from a wall. Facing the wall turn your
feet inward so you are pigeon toed. Lean forward into the wall keeping
your heels on the floor and the knees extended. Also keep your back
straight and do not bend at the hips. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds
and do the stretch ten times in a row. Do the stretching three times
each day. Always stretch the calf muscles following any form of exercise. Over the Counter Arch Supports Wear a supportive sport or walking shoe. This can be supplemented with a good over the counter arch support. Oral Anti-inflammatory Medications Medications
like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve may be of some benefit. Always read the
medications directions and warnings before use. Professional Care
If the heel pain persists your foot doctor may suggest a cortisone
injection, taping the foot to support the arch, night splints to
stretch the calf muscles at night while you are sleeping or functional foot orthotics.
On occasion surgery may be required to cure this condition. Orthotics
should be tried before surgery and should be used following the
surgical procedure (See surgical treatment of plantar heel pain).
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