Heel pain is primarily an inflammation of plantar fascia.
If left unattended for long, it invites degenerative changes rather than inflammatory changes.
This problem is related with the thick fibrous band of tissues beginning from the bottom of the heel bone and moving along the sole towards the toes.
Almost 10% of world population carries this.
Weight bearing activities are the most common cause which gets added support from obesity.
Athletes are most prone to heel pain.
Most prominently, heel pain is in its prime during morning hours the foot is put down from the bed.
Heel pain also accentuates on walking or running.
Such pain is also triggered by shoes which does not fit well or those which have become worn.
If there is tightness in the calf muscles or achilles tendon then it becomes worse.
Preliminary diagnosis reveals that arch of the foot has lost its shape, calf muscles are tightened and there is a highly tender spot on the heel bone.
An X-ray sometimes helps to reveal a heel spur (growth of additional bone).
This symptom arises due to inflammation.
But X-ray results are sometime confusing.
Some having heel spurs may not have heel pain at all.
Treatment of heel pain normally starts with application of anti inflammatory ointment together with pain killer tablets.
If the pain persists then some steroid is injected.
One such steroid is Cortisone which is quite anti inflammatory.
This is injected into the heel bone and it starts to give good results instantly.
Local anesthesia also helps in providing relief for a long time.
This kind of treatment lasts for a few weeks and is not a perfect solution to correct the pain problem.
Physical therapy for this pain includes measures to relax the calf and the achilles tendon.
Friction massage is also helpful where a spherical object is to be rolled under the heel with some pressure on the floor.
Shockwave therapy is also in place where therapeutic shockwaves are directed toward the affected pain area.
This therapy is to be repeated on routine basis for at least 4 months to be fully effective.
Implements and supports such as arch support and heel pads also helps in preventing recurrence of this pain.
These days, state of the art shoes are available in the market specifically for use by the sufferer of heel pain.
One has to try out different makes and brands to ascertain which one is the best for him.
Surgery is the last resort of heel pain when every other course of treatment fails.
An incision is made into ligament.
Plantar fascia is partly removed.
This releases the excess tension.
The surgeon also removes the bone spur if it is present.
One can also help himself by self treatment.
Rest and reduced activity with some daily exercises to release tightness in the muscles helps a lot.
Shoe inserts such as orthotics also helps in correcting causes of heel pain occurring due to faulty foot wears.
If left unattended for long, it invites degenerative changes rather than inflammatory changes.
This problem is related with the thick fibrous band of tissues beginning from the bottom of the heel bone and moving along the sole towards the toes.
Almost 10% of world population carries this.
Weight bearing activities are the most common cause which gets added support from obesity.
Athletes are most prone to heel pain.
Most prominently, heel pain is in its prime during morning hours the foot is put down from the bed.
Heel pain also accentuates on walking or running.
Such pain is also triggered by shoes which does not fit well or those which have become worn.
If there is tightness in the calf muscles or achilles tendon then it becomes worse.
Preliminary diagnosis reveals that arch of the foot has lost its shape, calf muscles are tightened and there is a highly tender spot on the heel bone.
An X-ray sometimes helps to reveal a heel spur (growth of additional bone).
This symptom arises due to inflammation.
But X-ray results are sometime confusing.
Some having heel spurs may not have heel pain at all.
Treatment of heel pain normally starts with application of anti inflammatory ointment together with pain killer tablets.
If the pain persists then some steroid is injected.
One such steroid is Cortisone which is quite anti inflammatory.
This is injected into the heel bone and it starts to give good results instantly.
Local anesthesia also helps in providing relief for a long time.
This kind of treatment lasts for a few weeks and is not a perfect solution to correct the pain problem.
Physical therapy for this pain includes measures to relax the calf and the achilles tendon.
Friction massage is also helpful where a spherical object is to be rolled under the heel with some pressure on the floor.
Shockwave therapy is also in place where therapeutic shockwaves are directed toward the affected pain area.
This therapy is to be repeated on routine basis for at least 4 months to be fully effective.
Implements and supports such as arch support and heel pads also helps in preventing recurrence of this pain.
These days, state of the art shoes are available in the market specifically for use by the sufferer of heel pain.
One has to try out different makes and brands to ascertain which one is the best for him.
Surgery is the last resort of heel pain when every other course of treatment fails.
An incision is made into ligament.
Plantar fascia is partly removed.
This releases the excess tension.
The surgeon also removes the bone spur if it is present.
One can also help himself by self treatment.
Rest and reduced activity with some daily exercises to release tightness in the muscles helps a lot.
Shoe inserts such as orthotics also helps in correcting causes of heel pain occurring due to faulty foot wears.