Heel Pain Syndrome
Cause:
Physicians use the terms plantar fasciitis and post-static dyskinesia interchangeably to refer to heel pain. There are many structures attached to the heel bone (calcaneus). The two structures primarily associated with heel pain are the plantar fascia (band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch) and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Typically, in walking, the arch starts to flatten as the foot absorbs the weight of the body and these structures maintain the arch and stabilize the foot.
Normally, they accomplish this effortlessly. Excessive exercise and occupations that require people to spend a lot of time on their feet may stretch these structures beyond their limits. This stretching can lead to muscle tears and bone spurs.
Bone spurs on the heel occur when muscle tension (usually on the flexor digitorum) pulls a piece of bone away from the calcaneus. A bone spur usually appears on x-ray as a fishhook-shaped structure. This sharp-edged deformity irritates the nerves in the heel and, combined with the strained muscles, causes heel pain.
Poorly fitted shoes exacerbate the problem further. Many people who work all day in new or ill- fitting shoes experience heel pain the next day. Ill-fitting running shoes may cause pain for weeks after a single run, as can playing 18 holes in improper golf shoes. Fit is what is important.
Sneakers and athletic shoes should fit properly, have plenty of cushioning to absorb shock, and provide support. There are different types of shoes for different sports. This is more than a marketing gimmick. Certain sports, such as tennis, require shoes that provide lateral support and others, such as cross-training, require shoes with a softer sole that conforms to irregular terrain.
Another cause of heel pain is not warming up before exercise.
Less common causes of heel pain should be considered before a treatment regimen for plantar fasciitis is undertaken. These include sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome, entrapment of the lateral plantar nerve, rupture of the plantar fascia, calcaneal stress fracture and calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease). Rarely, systemic disorders can cause heel pain.
Treatment:
Give us a call today to make an appointment with our Board-Certified Pedorthist for a consultation and to have your feet properly fitted in the correct footwear for your foot type and shape as well as to address any pain or discomfort you may be having. Custom orthotics are another way to further alleviate pain. Our number is 206-364-1322.
Physicians use the terms plantar fasciitis and post-static dyskinesia interchangeably to refer to heel pain. There are many structures attached to the heel bone (calcaneus). The two structures primarily associated with heel pain are the plantar fascia (band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch) and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Typically, in walking, the arch starts to flatten as the foot absorbs the weight of the body and these structures maintain the arch and stabilize the foot.
Normally, they accomplish this effortlessly. Excessive exercise and occupations that require people to spend a lot of time on their feet may stretch these structures beyond their limits. This stretching can lead to muscle tears and bone spurs.
Bone spurs on the heel occur when muscle tension (usually on the flexor digitorum) pulls a piece of bone away from the calcaneus. A bone spur usually appears on x-ray as a fishhook-shaped structure. This sharp-edged deformity irritates the nerves in the heel and, combined with the strained muscles, causes heel pain.
Poorly fitted shoes exacerbate the problem further. Many people who work all day in new or ill- fitting shoes experience heel pain the next day. Ill-fitting running shoes may cause pain for weeks after a single run, as can playing 18 holes in improper golf shoes. Fit is what is important.
Sneakers and athletic shoes should fit properly, have plenty of cushioning to absorb shock, and provide support. There are different types of shoes for different sports. This is more than a marketing gimmick. Certain sports, such as tennis, require shoes that provide lateral support and others, such as cross-training, require shoes with a softer sole that conforms to irregular terrain.
Another cause of heel pain is not warming up before exercise.
Less common causes of heel pain should be considered before a treatment regimen for plantar fasciitis is undertaken. These include sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome, entrapment of the lateral plantar nerve, rupture of the plantar fascia, calcaneal stress fracture and calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease). Rarely, systemic disorders can cause heel pain.
Treatment:
Give us a call today to make an appointment with our Board-Certified Pedorthist for a consultation and to have your feet properly fitted in the correct footwear for your foot type and shape as well as to address any pain or discomfort you may be having. Custom orthotics are another way to further alleviate pain. Our number is 206-364-1322.