What You Need to Know About Treating Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Bone Spurs
Your Feet Can Hurt for Many Reasons

The human body is fascinating; they consist of the perfect combination of hormones, fluids, bones and muscles. Special protection is provided in our joints and at critical places in any place on the body that bears weight. But when this fragile combination is disrupted by ailments or sudden injury, the result can be terrible pain. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can impair immobility in people.

Why Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis Can Hurt So Much

A heel spur is a pointed protrusion of bone that tends to grow out of the calcaneus, or heel bone. They can be located either underneath or on the back side of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause inflammation and tearing 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 tenderness and swelling in that area. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this specific condition worse. Conversely, when the heel spur is located under the heel, it irritates the plantar fascia ligament, thus bringing on a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this ailment as being more of a problem when standing or walking.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Medical studies indicate that genetics can be a factor in heel spur development. some of the most common causes include motion that is repeated and overextension of the plantar fascia tissue due to 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. They warn that shoes that are too tight can also cause painful foot problems.

Recommended Treatments for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

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

• Use of the best orthotics available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
• Using circular shoe inserts for the heel
• Regularly icing on the affected regions
• Last resort is an operation to remove the heel spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of anti-inflammatory medicines
• Properly-cushioned shoes