Heel pain and heel spurs are two of the most common forms of foot pain. The
two structures involved are the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum
brevis muscle. Both connect the calcaneous (heel bone) to the ball of
the foot.
The heel bears all body weight in walking. Without protection under
the plantar fascia and flexor digitorum muscle (more commonly called
the arch), the structures pull and tear to the point they become extremely
stiff. When they are too stiff and inflexible, the foot cannot functionally
take a step without causing extreme distress in the heel and/or arch.
A spur develops when muscle tension on the flexor digitorum pulls a
piece of bone away from the calcaneous. On x-ray, it has an appearance
of a fishhook.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
Plantar fasciatis
Post static dyskinesia
Sometimes mistaken for Achilles tendonitis or in conjunction with
it
Symptoms:
Heel pain – ranges from “mild toothache” in intensity up to being
unable to bear weight
Pain is worse upon taking the first step on waking or after sitting
for a period of time
There can be arch and forefoot pain also. However, there may be
only heel pain
Signs to look for:
Heel pain
Pain that is worse upon taking the first step on waking or after
sitting for a period of time
X-ray can show heel spur
Possible Causes:
Wear and tear over time, even if the pain seems to appear fairly suddenly
Lack of support in the arch, combined with body weight, stretches and
pulls on the arch structures to the point they can properly move the
foot with tearing at the calcaneous
Goals:
Take pressure off the heel
Support the arch structures
Regain flexibility and elasticity in the arch structures
Move the foot forward with as little lateral movement as possible
Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use
when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising
support
Shoes:
Extra depth shoe with firm heel counter, rocker soles and steel
shank
Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only
Other:
Avoid using heel cups – the cure is in the arch
Activities:
Regular stretching program of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,
Achilles tendon and arch structures
Avoid high impact recreational activities until symptoms recede
and then only resume if wearing arch support and right kind of
shoes
Rotate weight bearing recreational activities with non-weight
bearing activities, such as walking and racquetball (weight bearing)
with swimming and biking (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute
a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a
doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources
available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright
2005 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Foot.com Text: PodiatryChannel.com, J.
Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet
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