HEEL SPUR

Heel pain commonly referred to as heel spur syndrome is most often caused by Plantar Fasciitis. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve pain and rarely a bone tumor. Due to the fact that there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. A Podiatric physician is best trained to distinguish between all possibilities and determine the underlying cause
of your heel pain.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue the plantar fascia that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain on the bottom of the foot especially in the area of the heel. Patients describe the pain as worse in the morning when they first get out of bed, or after they have been inactive and sitting for long periods of time.
After a few minutes of walking the pain may decrease temporarily. The pain however gets worse over time and eventually may be present and severe for much of the day.

Causes of heel pain are due to faulty foot function and structure. People who have problems with their arches; either overly flat feet or overly high arched feet are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Athletes, laborers, overweight people, people who stand all day all over-use their feet stress, stretch and tear the supportive ligaments the planar fascia at their origin of attachment at the heel bone.

Diagnosis by a Podiatric physician is made after a good history and physical. Additional diagnostic imaging studies such as an
X-ray a bone scan or an MRI may be used to distinguish between the different types of heel pain. Sometimes heel spurs are found in patients with plantar fasciitis, but these are rarely a source of their pain. When they are present, the condition may be
diagnosed as plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.

Treatment Options: include stretching exercises, avoid going barefoot, ice, limit activities, shoe modifications, medication, lose weight, padding and strapping, orthotics or arch supports, injection therapy, physical therapy, walking cast and a night splint.

Long Term Care
No matter what kind of treatment you undergo for plantar fasciitis, the underlying causes that led to this condition may remain. Therefore, you will need to continue with preventive measures.
If you are overweight, is important to reach and maintain your ideal weight. For all patients, wearing supportive shoes and using custom orthotic devices are the mainstay of long-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.