Heel pain has many causes and is generally the result of faulty walking abnormalities that place too much stress on the heel bone and soft tissues that attach to it. This stress may also be the result of injury, or a bruise that might have occurred while walking, running or from wearing poorly constructed footwear. Like all bones, your heel bone is subject to outside influences that can affect its ability to keep us on our feet. Heel pain can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel and can also be a way to alert us that we need to seek medical attention. With many complaints that contribute to heel pain, it is important to take all necessary precautions in avoiding heel pain. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Frequently associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running from the heel to the ball of the foot, heel pain and heel spurs are often referred to as plantar fasciitis. Athletes who run and jump a lot may often exhibit plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond normal extension which then causes the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length. This stress can lead to inflammation, pain and a possibility of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone. Your inflammation may become further aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by chronic irritation that can accompany an athletic lifestyle. Resting may provide temporary relief for your pain, but it may not eliminate your pain altogether. After a night's sleep, you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band. When it stretches, it pulls on your heel, causing your pain to reoccur. As you begin to walk, your pain may lessen or disappear, but it may just be a false sense of relief. Your pain may often return after resting or extensive walking. Heel Spurs: What are they? Heel spurs are a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone and are also a common cause of heel pain. The spur, which is visible by X-ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch, but when there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is often referred to as heel spur syndrome. Resulting from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, heel spurs are often caused by the stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot. It is also caused by repeated tearing of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs may result from imbalance, running, jogging, improperly fitting shoes or obesity. If your pain or symptoms of inflammation persist, a trip to your podiatrist may be in order. Your Chicago podiatrist will examine your heel and may also perform X-rays in order to find the cause of your heel pain. Early treatment and prevention are key in avoiding prolonged heel pain. Don't ignore your pain.
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