What to Do When Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spurs Makes it Painful to Walk
Reasons Why Feet Sometimes Hurt
The human body is fascinating; they are the perfect harmony of fluids, hormones, muscles, and bone tissue. Special protection is present in our joints and at vital regions in the body where weight-bearing pressure points occur. Nonetheless, when this fragile balance is stopped in its tracks by an injury or physical issue, severe pain can occur. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can cause a person to lose mobility.
Areas Affected by Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
A heel spur is a pointed protrusion of bone that grow out of the heel bone (calcaneus). They can be located either underneath or on the back side of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and tearing of the softer foot tissues, which is worsened with activity, or even from simply standing on the afflicted foot. When the bone protrusion is located behind the heel, it can aggravate the Achilles tendon and cause tenderness and swelling in that region. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this specific condition worse. Alternatively, when the heel spur is located under the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus bringing on a condition called plantar fascitis. MedicineNet describes this injury as being made worse when applying pressure on the heel.
Why Feet Can Get Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
According to some medical studies, heel spurs can be caused by genetic factors. the majority of cases are because of repeat movements and too much stretch in the arch because of physical activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org reports that arthritis or diabetes can make it more likely for someone to develop either of these problems. They warn that shoes that are too tight can also cause painful foot problems.
Recommended Treatments for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
The goals in treatment of these ailments are to diminish the swelling of the soft tissues and ligaments as well as avoid re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be done in several ways:
- Last resort is surgical intervention to take out the heel bone spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
- The use of round, puffy shoe inserts for the heel
- Sufficiently-cushioned shoes
- Regularly icing on the affected areas
- Use of NSAID pills
- Use of the best orthotic inserts available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas





