HEEL PAIN

If you are waking up with acute pain at your heel, then mostly you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. This is one of the most common foot problems. Many times pain is very severe & disabling.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis (plantar fasciosis) is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The planar fascia is a strong bowstring like ligament that runs from the calcaneus (Heel Bone) to the tip of the foot. When the plantar fascia is stretched too far its soft tissue fibers become inflamed, usually where it attaches to the heel bone. Sometimes the problem may occur in the middle of the foot. The patient experiences pain under the foot, especially after long period of rest. If inflammation persists for longer duration it can lead to calcaneal spur.

Causes: Plantar Fasciitis is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Still following factors play important role in increasing severity of plantar fasciitis.

1. Arch Type: Flat feet, High arch or in between.
2. Footwear: Wearing too flat or too high heel footwear.
3. Lifestyle: Continuous standing, walking  or running.
4. Body weight: Overweight results in more stress on platar fascia.
5. Osteoporosis: Weak bones will aggravate pain.

Symptoms

• Pain at the heel when standing.
• Throbbing or piercing type of pain.
• Pain in the first few steps in the morning after a period of inactivity.
• Pain while walking barefoot, on toes or while climbing stairs.
• Tenderness along the inferior surface of the heel

Causes: Plantar Fasciitis is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Still following factors play important role in increasing severity of plantar fasciitis.

Treatment:

• Rest: Temporary rest is important to allow plantar fascia to heal
• Cold pack: Helps to reduce inflammation. Recommended 3-4 times a day, 20 minutes each time (Not recommended for diabetic patient)

• Taping
• Right orthotics: To support your plantar fascia & correct your faulty alignment
• Supportive shoes: Orthotics with proper supportive shoe gives long term relief
• Exercises: Generally higher arched feet require a strict stretching program and flat feet require a gradual strengthening program and more support.  One should not do stretching in acute pain.

What to avoid:

1. Barefeet walking on hard surfaces 
2. Wearing too flat or too high heeled footwear
3. Heel Cushions: Silicone or foam heel cushions commonly available from pharmacies do nothing to actually cure this condition and at best provide temporary comfort.

Success Story- Click this link 

https://youtu.be/YfOE5jx5HVM

For more details visit- www.vcarerehab.in