Fast and Simple Ways to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Your Feet Can Hurt for Many Reasons

Human bodies are truly astounding; they consist of the perfect combination of fluids, hormones, muscles, and bone tissue. Unique cushioning is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in any place on the body that bears weight. Nevertheless, when this delicate balance is interrupted by injury or certain conditions, excruciating pain can be the result. Heel spurs and plantar fascitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can impair immobility in people.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs or Plantar Fasciitis

A heel spur is a pointed portion of bone that tends to grow out of the heel bone (calcaneus). They can be located either on the underside or on the back of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and ripping of the softer foot tissues, which is aggravated with simple movements or standing on the afflicted foot. When the bony growth is located behind the heel, it can aggravate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling in that region. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this certain condition worse. Alternatively, when the bony growth is in the area of the bottom of the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this ailment as being made worse when applying pressure on the heel.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Nevertheless, the majority of cases are because of repetitive motion and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia ligament caused by sports or athletic activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org reports that arthritis or diabetes can make it more likely for someone to develop either of these problems. They also mention that ill-fitting footwear can also be to blame.

How to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

The goals in treatment of these conditions are to decrease the swelling of the soft tissues and ligaments as well as stop re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be achieved in several ways:

• Properly-cushioned shoes
• Using circular shoe inserts for the heel
• Use of anti-inflammatory medications
• Last resort is an operation to remove the heel spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of the best arch supports available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
• Regular applications of ice on the affected places