RAJA TOTO - The heel bone is the largest bone in your foot, and projects backward beyond the leg bones in order to provide a useful lever for the muscles of the calf. Your heel bears all of the body's weight with each step, making pain develop more often. The stress placed on your heel and foot is tremendous. Painful heels and heel spur syndrome are usually secondary biomechanical faults.
With an array of potential causes, it is important to have your heel pain properly assessed by your Brooklyn podiatrist. Heel pain is often referred to as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from your heel to your toes. Being proactive about your foot health can help you start your New Year out on the right foot.
What is Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)?
Both heel pain and heel spurs are associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom of your foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. This type of pain is most common among athletes who run and jump a lot, causing a great amount of pain.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension. This causes the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length, leading to inflammation, pain and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone.
Inflammation may become irritated by shoes that lack appropriate support, mainly in the arch area and by the constant irritation associated with an athletic lifestyle. Resting may provide temporary relief, but when you resume walking you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band, which stretches and pulls on the heel. As you walk the pain may lessen or even disappear, but that may just be a false sense of relief as the pain often will return after prolonged rest or extensive walking.
What is Heel Spur Syndrome?
Another common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, which is a bony growth on the underside of your heel bone. The spur is visible by x-ray and appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of a bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome.
Heel spurs are the result of a strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. This is caused by the stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot. With repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone, your pain will persist. Heel spurs may result from biomechanical imbalance, running, jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity.
Preventative Measures to Protect your Feet
You can take steps now to avoid heel pain, including:
• Wear shoes that fit well
• Wear proper shoes for each activity
• Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles
• Prepare properly before exercising by stretching and warming up
• Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities
• Don't underestimate your body's need for rest and good nutrition
• Lose excess weight
Taking proper preventative measures can save your feet in the long run. If pain and other symptoms of inflammation persist, you should limit your normal daily activities and contact your Brooklyn podiatrist immediately. Your podiatrist will examine the area of your foot causing you pain. Early treatment is vital in maintaining the health of your feet and keeping your best foot forward for the New Year.
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