Heel Pain
Heel pain is a major complaint against people of all ages. The main cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue that spans the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the ball-of-foot and comprises the arch of the foot. Another common cause of heel pain are heel spurs, which are also associated with Plantar fasciitis. It has been shown that approximately 70% of people who have plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur. Heel spurs are a result of having plantar fasciitis. This is because calcium deposits begin to form on the heel bone as the plantar fascia pulls away from the bone, causing a bony protrusion of the bone, or a heel spur.Causes
Plantar fasciitis is caused by frequent physical activity and weight-bearing on the foot, poor foot mechanics and structure (such as overpronation or having a high arch), and badly-fitting shoes. Excessive pounding on the foot, such as during a jog, can weaken and strain the plantar fascia. Likewise, shoes that do not absorb shock and do not provide proper arch support in conjunction with physical activity and long periods of standing will almost certainly lead to plantar fasciitis and possibly heel spurs.Some other causes of plantar fasciitis are arthritis and diabetes. Arthritis can cause inflammation to the tendons in the feet, which may lead to plantar fasciitis. Also, since diabetics tend to have worse circulation in their feet and a poorer quality of foot health than the general public, it has been shown that diabetics are also more at risk to develop plantar fasciitis.