Treatment 101: How to Relieve Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Why Feet Can Hurt

Human bodies are extraordinarily amazing; they are the perfect blend of bones, flesh, and natural body fluids. Unique cushioning is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in the body where weight-bearing pressure points occur. Nonetheless, when this delicate balance is stopped in its tracks by an injury or physical issue, severe pain can occur. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are 2 conditions of the feet that can bring a person to the point of immobility.

Why Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis Can Hurt So Much

A heel bone spur is a pointed protrusion of bone that has grown 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 ripping of the softer foot tissues, which is made worse with simple movements or standing on the afflicted foot. When the bone protrusion is located behind the heel, it can irritate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling in that zone. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this particular condition worse. Conversely, when the bony growth is in the area of the bottom of the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus bringing on a condition called plantar fascitis. MedicineNet describes this condition as worsening when pressure is placed on the foot.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Medical findings suggest that heel spurs can have genetic ties. However, some of the most common causes include 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.

How to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

The objectives in treatment of these ailments are to decrease the inflammation of muscles and ligaments as well as prevent reinjury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be done in several ways:

• Using donut-shaped shoe inserts for the heel
• Use of anti-inflammatory pills
• Sufficiently-cushioned shoes
• Applying ice on the affected places
• As a last resort, surgery to remove the heel spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of the best orthotics available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas

Tagged with: Achilles Tendon • Ailm • Body Fluids • Bone Protrusion • Delicate Balance • Fitting Shoes • Heavy Lifting • Heel Bone Spur • Heel Spur • Heel Spurs • Human Bodies • Immobility • Medical Findings • Medicinenet • Perfect Blend • Plantar Fascia • Plantar Fasciitis • Pressure Points • Rsquo • Types Of Arthritis

Filed under: medical equipment La Mesa

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