WHAT IS HEEL PAIN?
It is usually caused due to irritation of the plantar fascia. At times, plantar fasciitis can accompany with a spur (bony growth) which is also called Heel Spur Syndrome. You can also have heel pain due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.
Chronic heel pain may end up causing various physical limitations such as difficulty in walking, weight bearing, increase in weight, etc and have a negative impact on emotions, thoughts, and feelings. As there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed, before it ends up into a chronic pain.
DID YOU KNOW?
· People who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
· According to current research, it has been found that wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the fascia which eventually leads to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet.
· Obesity and overuse may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
· People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they have been sitting for long periods of time.
· Walking seems to be beneficial in reducing heel pain as it stretches the fascia but standing for long periods on your feet may tend to worsen the heel pain!
Exercises and other physical therapy measures such as connective tissue massage, taping and Extra Corporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) have been found beneficial in reducing pain, provide relief and help in return to functional activities. In such cases, it is better to get diagnosed in the early phase by your Physiotherapist and get the right treatment at the right time.
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