Plantar Fascitis and Heel Spurs Can Keep You from Doing the Things You Enjoy

Reasons Why Feet Sometimes HurtThe human body is truly fascinating; they are the perfect balance of bones, flesh, and natural body fluids. Special cushioning is present in our joints and at vital regions in any place on the body that bears weight. Nonetheless, when this delicate combination is disrupted by ailments or sudden injury, the result can be terrible pain. Heel bone spurs and plantar fasciitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can impair immobility in people. The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs or Plantar FasciitisA heel spur is a pointed protrusion of bone that has grown out of the heel bone, also known as calcaneus. They can be located either on the underside or on the back side of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and ripping of the muscles of the foot, which is compounded with activity, or even from simply standing on the afflicted foot. When the bone protrusion is located behind the heel, it can aggravate the Achilles tendon and cause tenderness and swelling in that area. MedicineNet reports on their site that pushing off the bottom of the foot makes this certain condition worse. On the other hand, when the heel spur is located under the heel, it aggravates the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this ailment as worsening when pressure is placed on the foot. The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar FasciitisNonetheless, most times, heel spurs are caused by repetitive motion and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia ligament caused by sports or athletic activity, and can also be caused by heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org cites that certain types of arthritis as well as diabetes can raise the chances of developing either of these painful conditions. But they go on to state that most cases are caused by wearing improperly-fitting shoes. Recommended Treatments for Heel Spurs and Plantar FasciitisThe objectives in treatment of these ailments are to diminish the swelling of the soft tissues and ligaments as well as avoid re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be achieved in several ways:

• Use of the best orthotics available to properly align the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
• Last resort is an operation to remove the heel bone spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of anti-inflammatory pills
• Regular applications of ice on the affected areas
• Sufficiently-cushioned shoes
• Wearing donut-shaped shoe inserts for the heel