Heel Spur is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs under your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Heel Spurs cause stabbing pain, usually seen with the first step in the morning. It is more common in runners. In addition, those who are overweight and wear shoes with inadequate support have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis typically causes stabbing-like pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel. The pain is usually very severe with the first few steps after awakening. However, it can be triggered by standing for long periods of time or standing up after sitting. Pain is worse after exercise.
Under normal conditions, the plantar band acts like a shock-absorbing arch and supports your foot. If the tension and stress on this band is too great, small tears may occur. Inflammation develops as a result of repeated tears. Plantar fasciitis can occur for no apparent reason, but factors that may increase your risk of developing it include:
Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. Some types of exercise, activities that place a lot of stress on the heel and connective tissue, such as long-distance running, ballistic jumping activities, ballet dancing, and aerobic dancing, can contribute to the earlier onset of plantar fasciitis. Excess weight puts the plantar fascia under extra stress. It can be common in standing professions, factory workers, teachers, and people who spend most of their working hours walking on difficult surfaces. Plantar fasciitis can cause heel pain that interferes with your regular activities. Changing the way you walk to minimize this pain may lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
Diagnosis is made through medical history and physical examination. During the examination, your doctor checks sensitive areas on your foot. Usually no tests are required. Your doctor may recommend an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make sure your pain isn't caused by another problem, such as a stress fracture or a pinched nerve. Sometimes an x-ray can show a bone protruding forward from the heel bone.
Plantar fascia. Most patients with ciitis recover within a few months with conservative treatments such as rest, applying ice to the painful area, and stretching. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Stretching and strengthening exercises or the use of special devices may relieve symptoms. Physical therapy, night splints or special insoles can be used. Injecting some type of steroid medication into the painful area can provide temporary pain relief. Multiple injections are not recommended because they can weaken the plantar fascia and possibly cause it to tear. More recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which has a low risk of tissue rupture, has begun to be used for treatment purposes. In extracorporeal shockwave therapy, sound waves are directed to the heel areas to promote healing. This treatment is often used for chronic plantar fasciitis that does not respond to simpler treatments. This procedure may cause bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, or tingling. Some studies show promising results, but it has not been shown to be consistently effective. Very few people need surgery. Surgery is generally an option only when the pain is severe and all other treatments have failed.
Read: 0
