HEEL PAIN INTRODUCTION

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fascitis which is commonly referred to as a heel spur. Plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes Click here to view diagram. Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This condition can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering.
Long standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel. This results in the appearance of a sharp thorn like heel spur on x-ray. The heel spur is a-symtomatic (not painful), the pain arises from the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the center of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel.
Often the pain is worse on first rising in the morning and after rest and is aggravated by prolonged weight bearing & thin soled shoes.
CAUSES OF HEEL PAIN
· Excessive load on the foot from obesity is a major cause of plantar fasciitis. Which is why this condition is common in middle aged and over weight adults.
· A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy can also lead to plantar fascitis.
· A sudden increase in walking or a sporting activity can also be a contributing factor. A classical example is a post man who has returned to work after a period away from the job can develop this condition.
· Tight plantar fascia (this is often caused by tight calf muscles).
· Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing.
· Biomechanical problems (walking abnormalities) is a major cause of plantar fasciitis.
· Different types of arthritis can also lead to this condition such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.