Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: How Orthotics Can Help - 12:12 AM, 2/18/2009 |
Plantar Fasciitis: The Cause of Heel Bone Spurs Heel bone spurs are calcified tissue near the heel where the tendons in the foot attach. The main heel spur symptoms are piercing pain in the heel when stretching the foot and constant throbbing in the foot. These calcified tissues can poke at the soft inflamed tissue in the foot, causing discomfort. At the onset, the pain can be very sharp and is usually most noticeable upon standing. Over time, the pain can subside to a dull ache, but this can become a permanent cause for annoyance for the patient. Heel spurs cause pain by poking at flesh that has become very irritated and inflamed, a condition called plantar fascia inflammation. What Causes Heel Bone Spurs A common trigger of heel spurs is when the the thick connective tissue that connects the toes to the heel, called the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed. This abnormal stress on the heel causes calcification of the soft tissue in the foot, creating plantar fascitis. Things that cause this include abnormal stress, excessive weight, age or poor foot function. When the tissue becomes less and less flexible, it is torn over and over by the recurring use of the foot. As the tissue becomes inflamed, it results in heel spurs. Diagnosis and Treatments for Heel Bone Spurs The only way to receive a proper diagnosis is through a foot x-ray. With an x-ray, your doctor can confirm that a heel spur has developed. You can treat this condition by simply elevating your foot or consider more extreme measures like foot surgery. Many people find relief from inflammation by applying soothing heat to the area. By increasing the circulation, the blood vessels dilate and the pain lessens. Others discover that simply wearing orthotics can provide significant relief. These are designed to correct over-pronation and add support to the arches of the foot. By removing the strain on the Plantar Fascia, the tissues in the foot are allowed to heal properly. Many orthotic shoe insoles come with additional heel pads that act as shock absorbers for the heel which help to immediately ease the pain. Also, diathermy is a form of physical therapy that can reduce inflammation. This process makes use of an electrical current to produce heat that will ease plantar fascia inflammation. Preventing Heel Bone Spurs With Plantar Fasciitis One way to help prevent heel spurs is to properly stretch the tissues in the foot and calf before any rigorous exercise. By stretching these tissues, you create more flexibility which lessens the likelihood of plantar fascia inflammation. It is also critical to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample arch support and cushioning to the foot. Heel bone spurs can be avoided by adding orthotics to your shoes to help avoid stress on the Plantar Fascia. Being mindful of our feet is a very important step in staying healthy. Healthy feet are a vital component to our long-term health. |
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