June2011_HEEL PAIN AND HEEL SPURS EXPLAINED
Heel pain is the most common of all foot complaints. An estimated 400,000 people in Australia suffer from heel pain (or Plantar Fasciitis). This condition is often very painful, debilitating and can affect your ability to exercise or work comfortably.
The term Plantar Fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the Plantar Fascia which is a ligamentous band which runs from the heel to the toes. Causes of Plantar Fasciitis include sudden increases in weight bearing activity, abnormal foot biomechanics, systemic inflammatory conditions, weight gain and age.
Plantar Fasciitis is usually felt as a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel in the morning when getting out of bed. This pain will usually improve as the Plantar Fascia stretches and worsen after any prolonged periods of rest. This condition can begin suddenly or as a “stone-bruise” which worsens with time.
Bony “spurs” from the heel are often seen on X-Ray. Heel spurs are calcifications of the plantar fascia which result from chronic inflammation. They are a symptom of Plantar Fasciitis and are usually painless.
It is possible for heel pain to spontaneously resolve, however most cases can continue to worsen for 2 to 3 years. Treatment is easiest in the first three months so it is important to treat this condition as quickly as possible. After three months, Plantar Fasciitis enters the chronic stages in which there is scar tissue formation, soft tissue adhesions and the development of spur. Additionally, abnormal walking patterns are often adopted to compensate which causes pain in other parts of the body
If heel pain affects you, it is important to cease any recreational walking or running and begin daily icing, stretching and wearing well cushioned, supportive footwear. Early professional assessment and treatment by a podiatrist is essential, this will ensure a quick recovery and address the factors which cause the condition.
Call Sergio Gonzalez Podiatry on 3425 1777 to make an appointment for a lower limb assessment. The practice is currently opened Monday, Friday and Saturday. Trading days will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday after the 1st of July.
Plantar Fasciitis is usually felt as a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel in the morning when getting out of bed. This pain will usually improve as the Plantar Fascia stretches and worsen after any prolonged periods of rest. This condition can begin suddenly or as a “stone-bruise” which worsens with time.
Bony “spurs” from the heel are often seen on X-Ray. Heel spurs are calcifications of the plantar fascia which result from chronic inflammation. They are a symptom of Plantar Fasciitis and are usually painless.
It is possible for heel pain to spontaneously resolve, however most cases can continue to worsen for 2 to 3 years. Treatment is easiest in the first three months so it is important to treat this condition as quickly as possible. After three months, Plantar Fasciitis enters the chronic stages in which there is scar tissue formation, soft tissue adhesions and the development of spur. Additionally, abnormal walking patterns are often adopted to compensate which causes pain in other parts of the body
If heel pain affects you, it is important to cease any recreational walking or running and begin daily icing, stretching and wearing well cushioned, supportive footwear. Early professional assessment and treatment by a podiatrist is essential, this will ensure a quick recovery and address the factors which cause the condition.
Call Sergio Gonzalez Podiatry on 3425 1777 to make an appointment for a lower limb assessment. The practice is currently opened Monday, Friday and Saturday. Trading days will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday after the 1st of July.
