Guide | May 22, 2020
The heel spur
…small and mean…
The plantar fasciitis —as the condition is correctly called—plagues a large portion of the population on a daily basis. What sounds like medical jargon and stings like a burning nail under the heel can make life quite difficult.
Contrary to what many people say, it is not the bony protrusion on the heel—commonly known as a “heel spur”—that causes the pain, but rather localized inflammation of the plantar fascia.
The typical “warm-up” or “start-up” pain is a common symptom. For most people, these symptoms usually improve as the day goes on.
How did this happen?
The risk arises from constant strain on the feet. In most cases, this involves jobs that require standing, foot deformities (valgus, fallen arches, or flat feet), long-distance running, wearing shoes that are too stiff, etc.
However, heel pain isn't always plantar fasciitis. In relatively rare cases, it could be a pinched nerve, a "Haglund's deformity," or any number of other issues that can go wrong down there.
So how does that annoying thing come about?
The heavy strain placed on the foot's natural longitudinal arch and the plantar fascia causes minor damage to where the fascia attaches to the bone. This results in severe pain.
Will I need surgery?
No, in over 90% of all cases, surgery is not necessary.
What can I do about it?
It depends: In medicine, nothing —and especially no one —can be treated in a one-size-fits-all manner.
The path to recovery depends on how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and what caused them.
Ask your doctor for detailed advice on the possible forms of treatment and options available.
To name a few things:
- Consistent stretching of the calf muscles
- Insoles with a heel spur cutout
- Soft Footwear
- Spiky Ball Exercises: 10 Minutes a Day
- Shock wave therapy
- Injections (if necessary)
- Medications (in exceptional cases)