What causes pain in the heel?
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.
Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. A foot and ankle surgeon is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and to determine the underlying source of your heel pain.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
Causes
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours standing on the feet. Obesity and overuse may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
•Pain on the bottom of the heel
•Pain in the arch of the foot
•Pain that is usually worse upon arising
•Pain that increases over a period of months
•Swelling on the bottom of the heel
People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they have been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking, the pain decreases because walking stretches the fascia. For some people, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process, the surgeon rules out all possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.
In addition, diagnostic imaging studies, such as x-rays or other imaging modalities, may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain. Sometimes heel spurs are found in patients with plantar fasciitis, but these are rarely a source of pain. When they are present, the condition may be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment of plantar fasciitis begins with first-line strategies, which you can begin at home:
•Stretching exercises. Exercises that stretch out the calf muscles help ease pain and assist with recovery.
•Avoid going barefoot. When you walk without shoes, you put undue strain and stress on your plantar fascia.
•Ice. Putting an ice pack on your heel for 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce inflammation. Place a thin towel between the ice and your heel; do not apply ice directly to the skin.
•Limit activities. Cut down on extended physical activities to give your heel a rest.
•Shoe modifications. Wearing supportive shoes that have good arch support and a slightly raised heel reduces stress on the plantar fascia.
•Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
If you still have pain after several weeks, see your foot and ankle surgeon, who may add one or more of these treatment approaches:
•Padding, taping and strapping. Placing pads in the shoe softens the impact of walking. Taping and strapping help support the foot and reduce strain on the fascia.
•Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoe help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis.
•Injection therapy. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to help reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
•Removable walking cast. A removable walking cast may be used to keep your foot immobile for a few weeks to allow it to rest and heal.
•Night splint. Wearing a night splint allows you to maintain an extended stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping. This may help reduce the morning pain experienced by some patients.
•Physical therapy. Exercises and other physical therapy measures may be used to help provide relief.
• Try Paida Lajin, an ancient Chinese exercise. Click here.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Although most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to nonsurgical treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If, after several months of nonsurgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgery will be considered. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the surgical options with you and determine which approach would be most beneficial for you.
Long-Term Care
No matter what kind of treatment you undergo for plantar fasciitis, the underlying causes that led to this condition may remain. Therefore, you will need to continue with preventive measures. Wearing supportive shoes, stretching and using custom orthotic devices are the mainstay of long-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.
What is the home remedy for heel pain?
Here are seven easy home remedies that can provide a good degree of relief from the throbbing pain.
•Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is nothing but magnesium sulphate. ...
•Massage with essential oils. ...
•Apple cider vinegar. ...
•Ice pack. ...
•Baking soda. ...
•Flaxseed oil. ...
•Have anti-inflammatory foods.
A heel spur is a condition, which causes calcium deposits that lead to a bony intrusion under the heel bone. It is often associated to the inflammation of the connective tissues between the foot and the heel bone and thus, leaving you in pain. It may also lead to swelling, irritation and weakening of the arch bone. Heel spurs are sometimes painful — described as a knife digging into the heel — and other times, a heel spur goes unnoticed and is only detected by an X-ray. But, you still must do some walking just to perform your activities of daily living, and that means you will have pain. While the treatment includes exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines and surgery in some cases to remove the calcium deposits, there are a few natural solutions to help you deal with the pain.
Causes Of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are mostly common among athletes but too much strain on the foot muscles and ligaments can put anyone at risk. Here are some of the most common risk factors:
•Running or jogging excessively on hard surfaces
•Walking abnormally while putting too much stress on the heel bone
•Obesity and excessive weight
•Wearing ill-fitted shoes regularly that do not support the arch properly
•Being diabetic
•People who have flat feel or high arches
The pain caused by heel spurs can often be sharp and stabbing like pin sticking into your heel, especially when you walk or stand up after a period of rest. A diet rich in magnesium (essential for bone formation and calcium absorption) and alkaline foods to balance the PH levels in our body which can prevent inflammation and calcium build-up can help support speedy recovery. Drink 32.53 milli-liter of water for every 1 kilogram of your current body weight, daily.
Here are seven easy home remedies that can provide a good degree of relief from the throbbing pain.
1. Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt is nothing but magnesium sulphate. Interestingly, most of the magnesium in our body is stored in the bones. Sprinkle some Epsom salt in water and dip your feet in it. You can also gently massage your heels with it.
2. Massage with essential oils
Pure essential oils like rosemary or lavender and even everyday oils such as coconut and olive oil can help reduce pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil also acts as a natural moisturiser that softens your heels. Just warm up the oil slightly and rub it deeply but gently into your heel.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the new super food. It can cure anything from skin and stomach problems to pain. Apple cider vinegar is known to pull out the excess calcium from the bone and bring relief. You can either soak your feet in a tub of warm water with few drops of apple cider vinegar or wrap a wet towel drenched in it around your heel for few minutes.
4. Ice pack
If you’re looking for quick and instant relief you should look at doing cold fomentation. Applying an ice pack on the affected area for few minutes is a great way to soothe swelling and pain. Avoid applying ice directly to your heel – use an ice pack or wrap in in a towel.
5. Baking soda
You’ll be surprised to know the number of things this humble kitchen ingredient can be used for. From giving you beautiful skin to whitening your teeth, baking soda offers a lot of benefits. It works directly on the calcium crystals deposited in the heel. Make a paste by mixing half teaspoon of baking soda in water and apply this on your heel. Baking soda also helps in balancing the pH levels.
6. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a form of omega-3 fatty acid, which attacks inflammation. Pour some flaxseed oil in warm water and dip a towel in it. Wrap the towel around your heel and place a heating pad over it. Leave it on for at least an hour and avoid moving during this period.
7. Eat anti-inflammatory foods
Certain ingredients like turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and cumin seeds are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. These foods contain natural antioxidants and polyphenol that act as protective compounds and can help reduce levels of inflammation. You can make a decoction with 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger, turmeric or pepper and warm water. Drink this whenever pain arises. With cumin seeds, you can boil them in water, strain and drink up to counter the pain.
DESTINY HALE
3 YEARS AGO
Thanks for the nice information on heel spurs, this is exactly the information i have been looking for i believe my readers will be pleased with me sharing this information with them.
JUL 01, 2017 6:23 AM IST
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.
Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. A foot and ankle surgeon is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and to determine the underlying source of your heel pain.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
Causes
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours standing on the feet. Obesity and overuse may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
•Pain on the bottom of the heel
•Pain in the arch of the foot
•Pain that is usually worse upon arising
•Pain that increases over a period of months
•Swelling on the bottom of the heel
People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they have been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking, the pain decreases because walking stretches the fascia. For some people, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process, the surgeon rules out all possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.
In addition, diagnostic imaging studies, such as x-rays or other imaging modalities, may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain. Sometimes heel spurs are found in patients with plantar fasciitis, but these are rarely a source of pain. When they are present, the condition may be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment of plantar fasciitis begins with first-line strategies, which you can begin at home:
•Stretching exercises. Exercises that stretch out the calf muscles help ease pain and assist with recovery.
•Avoid going barefoot. When you walk without shoes, you put undue strain and stress on your plantar fascia.
•Ice. Putting an ice pack on your heel for 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce inflammation. Place a thin towel between the ice and your heel; do not apply ice directly to the skin.
•Limit activities. Cut down on extended physical activities to give your heel a rest.
•Shoe modifications. Wearing supportive shoes that have good arch support and a slightly raised heel reduces stress on the plantar fascia.
•Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
If you still have pain after several weeks, see your foot and ankle surgeon, who may add one or more of these treatment approaches:
•Padding, taping and strapping. Placing pads in the shoe softens the impact of walking. Taping and strapping help support the foot and reduce strain on the fascia.
•Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoe help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis.
•Injection therapy. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to help reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
•Removable walking cast. A removable walking cast may be used to keep your foot immobile for a few weeks to allow it to rest and heal.
•Night splint. Wearing a night splint allows you to maintain an extended stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping. This may help reduce the morning pain experienced by some patients.
•Physical therapy. Exercises and other physical therapy measures may be used to help provide relief.
• Try Paida Lajin, an ancient Chinese exercise. Click here.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Although most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to nonsurgical treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If, after several months of nonsurgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgery will be considered. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the surgical options with you and determine which approach would be most beneficial for you.
Long-Term Care
No matter what kind of treatment you undergo for plantar fasciitis, the underlying causes that led to this condition may remain. Therefore, you will need to continue with preventive measures. Wearing supportive shoes, stretching and using custom orthotic devices are the mainstay of long-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.
What is the home remedy for heel pain?
Here are seven easy home remedies that can provide a good degree of relief from the throbbing pain.
•Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is nothing but magnesium sulphate. ...
•Massage with essential oils. ...
•Apple cider vinegar. ...
•Ice pack. ...
•Baking soda. ...
•Flaxseed oil. ...
•Have anti-inflammatory foods.
A heel spur is a condition, which causes calcium deposits that lead to a bony intrusion under the heel bone. It is often associated to the inflammation of the connective tissues between the foot and the heel bone and thus, leaving you in pain. It may also lead to swelling, irritation and weakening of the arch bone. Heel spurs are sometimes painful — described as a knife digging into the heel — and other times, a heel spur goes unnoticed and is only detected by an X-ray. But, you still must do some walking just to perform your activities of daily living, and that means you will have pain. While the treatment includes exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines and surgery in some cases to remove the calcium deposits, there are a few natural solutions to help you deal with the pain.
Causes Of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are mostly common among athletes but too much strain on the foot muscles and ligaments can put anyone at risk. Here are some of the most common risk factors:
•Running or jogging excessively on hard surfaces
•Walking abnormally while putting too much stress on the heel bone
•Obesity and excessive weight
•Wearing ill-fitted shoes regularly that do not support the arch properly
•Being diabetic
•People who have flat feel or high arches
The pain caused by heel spurs can often be sharp and stabbing like pin sticking into your heel, especially when you walk or stand up after a period of rest. A diet rich in magnesium (essential for bone formation and calcium absorption) and alkaline foods to balance the PH levels in our body which can prevent inflammation and calcium build-up can help support speedy recovery. Drink 32.53 milli-liter of water for every 1 kilogram of your current body weight, daily.
Here are seven easy home remedies that can provide a good degree of relief from the throbbing pain.
1. Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt is nothing but magnesium sulphate. Interestingly, most of the magnesium in our body is stored in the bones. Sprinkle some Epsom salt in water and dip your feet in it. You can also gently massage your heels with it.
2. Massage with essential oils
Pure essential oils like rosemary or lavender and even everyday oils such as coconut and olive oil can help reduce pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil also acts as a natural moisturiser that softens your heels. Just warm up the oil slightly and rub it deeply but gently into your heel.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the new super food. It can cure anything from skin and stomach problems to pain. Apple cider vinegar is known to pull out the excess calcium from the bone and bring relief. You can either soak your feet in a tub of warm water with few drops of apple cider vinegar or wrap a wet towel drenched in it around your heel for few minutes.
4. Ice pack
If you’re looking for quick and instant relief you should look at doing cold fomentation. Applying an ice pack on the affected area for few minutes is a great way to soothe swelling and pain. Avoid applying ice directly to your heel – use an ice pack or wrap in in a towel.
5. Baking soda
You’ll be surprised to know the number of things this humble kitchen ingredient can be used for. From giving you beautiful skin to whitening your teeth, baking soda offers a lot of benefits. It works directly on the calcium crystals deposited in the heel. Make a paste by mixing half teaspoon of baking soda in water and apply this on your heel. Baking soda also helps in balancing the pH levels.
6. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a form of omega-3 fatty acid, which attacks inflammation. Pour some flaxseed oil in warm water and dip a towel in it. Wrap the towel around your heel and place a heating pad over it. Leave it on for at least an hour and avoid moving during this period.
7. Eat anti-inflammatory foods
Certain ingredients like turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and cumin seeds are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. These foods contain natural antioxidants and polyphenol that act as protective compounds and can help reduce levels of inflammation. You can make a decoction with 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger, turmeric or pepper and warm water. Drink this whenever pain arises. With cumin seeds, you can boil them in water, strain and drink up to counter the pain.
DESTINY HALE
3 YEARS AGO
Thanks for the nice information on heel spurs, this is exactly the information i have been looking for i believe my readers will be pleased with me sharing this information with them.
JUL 01, 2017 6:23 AM IST
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