Heel pain or heel spur syndrome is one of the more common conditions we see at Family Foot & Ankle Care. It is a very common condition that plagues people's heel.
There are many causes to heel pain including a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, neuritis (irritation of a nerve), or possibly a cyst. It is important given the various causes of heel pain to have the condition properly diagnosed as treatment for these condition will vary and it is important to determine the underlying source of the pain.
However, the most common condition associated with heel pain is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the band of soft tissue that connects from the heel to the base of the toes. The point of insertion of the plantar fascia ligament into the heel becomes irritated and inflammed causing heel pain. The usual pattern of pain tends to be severe pain in the heel in the morning and after periods of rest. Patient's will also relate having pain in the heel after standing on the feet for long periods of time.
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by faulty structure of the feet whether it be a flat or high arched foot type or possibly faulty biomechanics of the feet with a hyperpronated foot type. This places undue stress on the ligament which reacts with inflammation and irritation of the ligament that is overstrained and overloaded. Many times standing on hard, unforgiving surfaces with unsupportive shoewear may eventually lead to overloading the plantar fascia ligament inducing heel pain.
Once the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis