Treatment Solutions for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Reasons Why Feet Sometimes Hurt

Our bodies are incredibly astounding; they are the perfect arrangement of bones, flesh, and natural body fluids. Unique cushioning is provided in our joints and at critical places in any place on the body that bears weight. However, when this delicate balance is stopped in its tracks by an injury or physical issue, severe pain can occur. Heel spurs and plantar fascitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can impair immobility in people.

Areas Affected by Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis

A heel spur is a pointed portion of bone that grow out of the heel bone, also known as calcaneus. They can be located either under or on the rear of the heel. When a heel bone spur is present, it can cause inflammation and tearing of the softer foot tissues, which is compounded with regular activity or when pressure is placed on the afflicted foot. When the bony growth is located behind the heel, it can bother the Achilles tendon and cause tenderness and swelling in that region. MedicineNet reports on their site that pushing off the bottom of the foot makes this certain condition worse. Conversely, when the heel spur is located under the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a painful condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this injury as worsening when pressure is placed on the foot.

Why Feet Can Get Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis

Nevertheless, the majority of cases are because of motion that is repeated and overextension of the plantar fascia tissue caused by sports or athletic activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org cites that certain types of arthritis as well as diabetes can raise the chances of developing either of these painful conditions. But they go on to state that most cases are caused by wearing improperly-fitting shoes.

Recommended Treatments for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis

The objectives in treatment of these injuries are to diminish the soft tissue swelling and tendon irritation as well as prevent re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be accomplished in several ways:

* Using round, puffy shoe inserts for the heel
* Use of anti-inflammatory pills
* Use of the best arch supports available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
* As a last resort, an operation to remove the heel bone spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
* Appropriately-cushioned shoes
* Applying ice on the affected regions

Over-pronation can lead to multiple types of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, and can have several different causes. Over-pronation is also very common with athletes, especially runners, most of whom nowadays wear orthotic insoles inside their shoes.