Heel Pain Treatment
Heel Pain Treatment
Have you ever been affected with heel pain? Physiotherapists are often consulted regarding relief for heel pain. It is a common condition which residents of Parramatta regularly seek treatment. Heel pain or a calcaneal spur is extra bone growth that is formed on the calcaneus bone (heel bone) either at the back of the heel or under the sole of the heel. There are various options for heel pain treatment, read below to find out more.
What causes heel pain and Calcaneal spurs?
Every time you take a step, the heel is the first point of contact with the ground and has to support the weight of the body. At maximal weight bearing, we can have as much as 20x more load than your own body weight acting on your feet. The load is softened by a pillow of fat under the heel. This structure is known as the plantar fascia. Spurs can develop over time as we age due to the constant load which is acting on our heels.
Symptoms of a calcaneal spur:
- Sharp, stabbing pain, can be intense at times
- Relieved with rest, worse after getting up again
- Most painful first thing in the morning
- Calf muscles tight in AM – making walking difficult
- Worse when walking on a hard surface or carrying something heavy
- Calcaneal spurs may cause no symptoms at all for some individuals
Who’s at risk of getting a heel spur?
- Over weight
- Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
- Flat feet
How can you manage it?
- Get it assessed by a Physiotherapist
- Calf and foot stretches
- Strengthening exercises
- Correct foot wear
- Compressive devices – brace
- Strapping
- Orthotics to correct flat