Reasons Why Feet Sometimes Hurt
Human bodies are extraordinarily fascinating; they are the perfect harmony of hormones, fluids, bones and muscles. Special protection is present in our joints and at vital regions where weight-related pressure points exist. Nonetheless, when this delicate harmony is stopped in its tracks by an injury or physical issue, severe pain can occur. Heel bone spurs and plantar fascitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can cause a person to lose mobility.
Why Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis Can Hurt So Much
A heel spur is a pointed outgrowth of bone that grow out of the heel bone (calcaneus). They can be located either underneath or on the rear of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and tearing of the muscles of the foot, which is made worse with activity, or even from simply standing on the afflicted foot. When the bony growth is located behind the heel, it can irritate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and inflammation in that area. MedicineNet reports on their site that pushing off the bottom of the foot makes this specific condition worse. On the other side, when the heel spur is located under the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a condition called plantar fascitis. MedicineNet describes this condition as being more of a problem when standing or walking.
The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis
Medical findings suggest that heel spurs can have genetic ties. most times, heel spurs are caused by motion that is repeated and overextension of the plantar fascia tissue caused by sports or athletic activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org cites that certain types of arthritis as well as diabetes can raise the chances of developing either of these painful conditions. They warn that shoes that are too tight can also cause painful foot problems.
How to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis
The goals in treatment of these conditions are to lessen the inflammation of muscles and ligaments as well as avoid re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be achieved in several ways:
- Use of the best orthotics available to properly align the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
- Use of anti-inflammatory medicines
- Using round, puffy shoe inserts for the heel
- As a last resort, an operation to remove the heel bone spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
- Sufficiently-cushioned shoes
- Regular applications of ice on the affected places
