Home
What's NEW
NEW ORTHOTICS
Heel Pain NEWS
Health Insurance
Foot Pain Conditions
Foot Orthotics
Find A Foot Doctor
Foot Problems
Flip-flops
Walking Shoes
Diabetic Foot Care
Footwear Tips
Foot Anatomy
Foot Links
Growing Pains
ESWT
Doctors Resources
Fun Foot Stuff
Foot Health Forum
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
About Gavin Daly
About Us
Web Site Design
Work From Home
 

Heel Spurs & Heel Pain...
how to heal the pain.

Heel Pain & Heel Spurs

Do you wake up first thing in the morning and limp out of bed?

Do you find yourself limping when you first arise from a seated position throughout the day?

Is it painful to walk after sitting at rest?

Do you suffer with heel pain and/or aching feet?

These are common heel pain symptoms. Heel spurs beneath the heel are often associated with plantar fasciitis (ligament inflammation).

WHAT CAUSES HEEL PAIN and HEEL SPURS?
The cause of this type of heel pain is not entirely clear, however, excessive pronation (rolling-in) of the feet seems to aggravate pain caused by this syndrome.

Plantar Fasciitis and heel spur image

Plantar Fasciitis (inflammation of the long band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot) is the most common cause of heel pain and the precursor to heel spurs.

SPECIAL OFFER for heel pain sufferers for podcare.com visitors... Click here to read the PDF OFFER in your browser

WHAT CAUSES EXCESSIVE PULLING ON THE FOOT LIGAMENTS?
There are a number of things that can cause excessive strain and tearing of the ligaments along the bottom of the foot. One of the most common causes is:

  • Abnormal flattening of the feet (i.e. Fallen arches)

    Other common causes can include:

  • Sudden weight gain

  • Increases in activity level

  • Changes in footwear

  • Arthritis of various forms

  • High arched/rigid feet

  • Any trauma causing excessive pull or strain on the arch ligament.

    WHY IS THE PAIN WORSE AFTER REST/SLEEP?
    When the constant pulling on the arch ligament stops, the body gradually “glues” the ligament/s back onto the heel with scar tissue. It is thought that this is later replaced with bone, which creates a heel spur.

    When you move after resting, the arch ligament is once again torn away from the heel, causing a lot of pain. The whole process of inflammation recommences and so the vicious cycle of rest and repeated injury is set up because it is very difficult to stay off your feet.

    INITIAL TREATMENT

  • Exercises for your foot and leg muscles will be discussed

  • Shoe recommendations. For information on choosing footwear visit footwear tips.

  • Taping or strapping may be necessary to ease the strain and reduce any tearing of the plantar fascial ligament.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication is rarely required.

  • Foot Orthotics – to correct abnormalities in the way you walk may be necessary.

  • Heel splinting or specialised night braces – A night splint designed for plantar fasciitis is often used in situations where the heel spur or plantar fasciitis pain has been present for longer than three to six months.

  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy - this option is considered only in cases where heel pain is very resistant to the treatment mentioned previously.

    For further information on heel pain solutions telephone Podiatry Care Modbury on (08) 8265 4130.

    At Podiatry Care Modbury we have a special interest in the treatment of heel pain. As a previous sufferer of heel pain myself I (Gavin Daly) know exactly what you're going through and what is needed to manage your heel pain effectively.

    If you're ready to get rid of your heel pain once and for all - then here are our details...

    Podiatry Care MODBURY
    Tea Tree Plus Shopping Centre
    Shop 2a / 1020 North East Road
    MODBURY SA 5092

    Ph: (08) 8265 4130

    Podiatry Care
    "Proudly South Australian Owned & Operated"

    SPECIAL OFFER for heel pain sufferers for podcare.com visitors... Click here to read the PDF OFFER in your browser

    WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME FOR HEEL SPURS...
    These are short term measures which help to reduce the initial inflammation and pain. Some of these include:

  • Ice massage for 10–20 minutes after activity/sport or at the end of a long day on your feet.

  • Reduce training or alter activity - try cycling or swimming to maintain fitness until professional help has been sought.

  • Anti-inflammatory gel massaged into the painful area can help, provided no other anti-inflammatory tablets are being taken. Speak to your Podiatrist about choosing the right gel or cream.

  • Wearing shoes when walking is always best.

  • Exercises prescribed by your Podiatrist should be performed after rest and before getting out of bed

  • Take extra care not to overstretch your plantar fascial ligament when walking up and down stairs.

    HELPING TO PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS

  • Wear shoes that fit well – front, back and sides, shock absorbing soles, rigid uppers and supportive heel counters.

  • Ensure correct function of your feet during walking and running. If you wear orthoses, the foot orthotics must be worn to prevent re-injury to the ligament even after it has completely healed.

  • Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles. For further information on choosing footwear visit footwear tips for heel spurs here.

  • Prepare properly before exercising so warm up gently before running or walking

  • Pace yourself when participating in athletic activities

  • If overweight, try non-weight bearing activities such as swimming, cycling and rowing until the pain of the heel spur and plantar fasciitis improves.





    WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist, your Doctor or your foot specialist.

    Still have a question about your foot problem, leg pain or you just need some footwear advice?

    Visit our Foot Problems page and ask us a question about your specific problem. We'll do our best to help.

    To find a Podiatrist or Foot Doctor near you visit our Find a Podiatrist page and click on your country.

    Return to Home page

    Podiatry Care MODBURY
    Tea Tree Plus Shopping Centre
    Shop 2a / 1020 North East Road
    MODBURY SA 5092

    Ph: (08) 8265 4130

    Podiatry Care
    "Proudly South Australian Owned & Operated"

    SPECIAL OFFER for heel pain sufferers for podcare.com visitors... Click here to read the PDF OFFER in your browser


    footer for heel spurs page