Heel Spurs

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

The heel spur is a common disease affecting people from a wide range of ages and activity levels. However, the cause of this injury is usually based on the worsening plantar fasciitis. Although the two are often used interchangeably there is a slight difference. Even if a heel spur is a condition in which a portion of bone is irritating to the fascia, the fascia can become inflamed in other ways. However, these two conditions are often referred to as bone spurs and that is the term we use here. Understanding plantar Fascitiis and how it develops, it is possible to take precautions and prevent the onset or worsening of this debilitating injury.

Understanding the disease depends on the understanding that the fascia is a ligament similar fibrous tissue that extends from the heel all the way to the forefoot. The fabric primarily provides arch support and cushioning gives the bone and nerves in the feet while walking or running.

What happens is that some kind of inflammation or slight tear occurs somewhere along the fascia and at this time there is an onset of pain that is usually felt on or around the ankle. Although the problem does not seem as serious as any type of injury or muscle tissue, it is notoriously difficult to cure. However, before steps toward healing occur, it is good to know how it develops and what would have helped him in the first place.

Some people are much more susceptible to heel spurs the rest. The "at risk" group includes the following:

• Excess weight, which put more pressure and stress on their feet than the average person.
• The flatfooted (over-pronation) because when they walk the arch collapses stretching the fascia to the fullest.
• Those with unusually high arches also tend fascia to a greater degree than normal.
• Those who spend an extended amount of time in shoes that do not fit properly.
• Those who increase their activity level suddenly and all at once.

In risk groups above can take certain precautions to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of the problem are always wear appropriate and properly fitted shoes that support the arches, always tender and regular exercise for the feet increase flexibility and gradually increase the level of activity all over a long period of time rather than all at once.

Those who already have the disease is advised to try the following treatments for heel spurs:

•  The stretching of the foot and calf on a regular basis will help increase flexibility and reduce the risk of re-injury while relieving some of the pain.
•  Taping of the arc so that it is supported can greatly help in the most acute cases, where even walking is painful.
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•  Icing is always helpful, especially if it is done before after an effort that normally causes pain.
   
• Rest and leave the feet are the main necessities for healing heel spurs. The tissue needs time to heal and the only way that can happen is when you take the time to walk and give your feet time to repair.
   
• Heel inserts help most suffering from heel spurs, but the amount of the reduction depends on the insert
  
  and the location of the lesion. It may be useful to try a different brand with a different design if the first does not.
• Anti-inflammatory drug can do much to reduce the pain and help speed the healing process.
• Change of activity is also an important factor. The important thing is always to gradually build more vigorous exercise in remember to stretch both before and after. Following these recommendations can do much to prevent not only stimulates the heel, but other types of injuries as well.

The last option for serious and persistent problems is surgery. There are two types of surgeries that can alleviate the problem: the surgical removal of part of the fascia or removal of a real bone spur that is irritating to the tissues. Consult a doctor about which option is recommended for you.