What causes heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis and bursitis
Heel spur: plantar fasciitis
Possibly the most common problem we treat is plantar fasciitis, often referred to as a heel spur. Starting as a dull intermittent pain in the heel it may progress to a sharp persistent pain which spreads forwards into the arch. It is generally worse in the morning with the first few steps, or after sitting for a period of time and then standing up. The pain normally goes away when you start walking but recurs after a period of rest, which is often why if left untreated plantar fasciitis develops to severe pain that can stop you from weight bearing on your heel.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the tissues connected to the heel bone, due to excessive pulling and stretching of the fibrous bands that support the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of your foot. It is attached to the heel bone and fans forward toward the toes. Continuation of this irritation can lead to heel pain, arch pain or a bony growth on the bottom of the heel bone called a heel spur.
Heel pain syndrome: bursitis
While it is a common condition, not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Heel pain syndrome, resulting from repetitive pressure placed on the heel of the foot when walking, causes soreness of the natural cushion that supports the heel of the foot, the bursa. Known as bursitis, it is often associated with plantar fasciitis, and both can be treated together.
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