Heal Spur

For your information only.

These are the two most common cause of pain of the heel and arch of the foot. Plantar Fascilitis is the painful inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick ligamentous /fibrous band on the bottom of the foot that is attaches to the heel and insert into the ball of the foot. The pain usually occurs at the heel on standing or walking, however can occur anywhere on the plantar fascia.

Heel Spur: Long standing inflammation of plantar fascia causes the deposition of calcium at the point where it inserts into the heel. This results in the appearance of a sharp thorn like heel spur on x-ray. Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the centre of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel that can radiate into the arch.

Causes

• Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing. (See Orthotics)
• Biomechanical problems (walking abnormalities) is a major cause of plantar fascilitis.
• Tight plantar fascia (this is often caused by tight calf muscles).
• A sudden increase in walking or a sporting activity can also be a contributing factor.
• Excessive load on the foot from obesity is a major cause of plantar fascilitis.
• A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy can also lead to plantar fascilitis.
• Different types of arthritis can also lead to this condition such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.