Heel Pain

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With so much stress being place on our heels every day, not to mention the combination of poor habits. Heel pain conditions can develop independently or in combination with other conditions.

The most common forms of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spur.

 
In addition, many people also suffer from heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or other ailments.
Although they may generate only slight discomfort, they can worsen and generate severe pain over time. 

Ignoring the problem only makes it worse, and it's important to seek help and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 

Wear and tear and injury to the heel can also cause the formation of a spur on the heel bone. When this occurs, a pointed outgrowth of calcium extends from the heel bone, digging into sensitive tissue in the heel with every step.

  Plantar Fasciitis
 
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common condition of heel pain. This condition occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue resulting in pain and inflammation.

Plantar fasciitis is also influenced by the mechanics of the foot. Having conditions such as flat feet, high arches, pronation, or having an abnormal gait (the way in which the foot hits the ground), the fascia tissue can become overworked or stretched abnormally, resulting in tears and inflammation.
  
Heel Spurs
 
Is a pointed bony fragment that stems from the heel bone. It extends into the sensitive tissue and nerves, resulting in pain in the foot with every movement. Pain is usually more pronounced in the morning and subsides through the day, but can return again later on or with activity.

 
Other possible conditions that cause heel pain are:
  • Pronation
  • Sever's Disease
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Stress Fracture
  • Arthritis
  • Sprains
  • Bursitis
Who is at Risk for Heel Pain?
Age plays a large role in the development of heel pain, particularly among those over 40.  As over time, the elasticity of the tissue in our feet decreases with age, causing us to become prone to damage and also slowing the body ability to heal damage.

There are many risk factors that lead to heel pain they are:
  • Repetitive exercise or activities, such as long distance running or jumping from activities such as basketball
  • Obesity
  • Walking barefoot on hard surfaces
  • Prolonged standing
  • Wearing poor fitting shoes, or shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning
  • Not stretching properly or at all before and after exercise
  • Those who are on their feet for long periods of time
 
Treatments
The traditional remedies for plantar fasciitis include stretching the calf, massaging, decreasing one's training, losing weight, purchasing better-fitting shoes (with a raised heel and arch support), icing the sore heel.

The plantar fascia ligament can be stretched by using a tennis ball or water bottle and rolling it across the bottom of the foot.

Below Image was taken from http://www.footstore.com


This information is presented to you by ‘Precision Massage Clinic’ by Jade Tran (Remedial Therapist, Remedial Muscular Therapist and Craniosacral & Myofascial Release).

To booked in for a session, please call Jade Tran on 0425 444 304 to start the healing process. I hope you find the information helpful in further understanding your symptoms.

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