Heel pain this is what I have right here

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Foot Disorders

Heel Pain

Look for links to images near the bottom of the pageThe most common cause of deep pain on the bottom surface of the heel, is plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia). The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. It is just below the skin and subcutaneous fat. It helps to secure the arch. Long standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where the inserts into the heel bone. This results in the appearance of a bony heel spur on x-ray. The spur itself is not the source of the pain. Stubborn heel pain should be evaluated by your podiatrist. Symptoms

Sharp pain localized to the bottom and/or inside margin of the heel Often worse on arising in the morning and after rest Aggravated by prolonged weight bearing and ambulation May severely limit activities Most common in middle-aged and overweight adults Causes

Excessive load on the foot from obesity Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing Tight plantar fascia Over pronation of the foot (a complex motion including outward rotation of the heel and inward rotation of the ankle). What you can do

Application of ice to the heel area after prolonged activity Wear supportive shoes with a stiff heal counter (the part of the shoe which wraps around the heel) and a good arch. A well made running or walking shoe is a good example. Sometimes a shoe with a moderately high heel will relieve pressure on the fascia Stretching and strengthining exercises will stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen the small intrinsic muscles which stabilize the arch. This should not be attempted when the heel is sore. Over the Counter anti-inflammatory medications containing. ibuprofen or aspirin when tolerated What the doctor may do

Prescription doses of anti-inflammatory medication Inject powerful anti-inflammatory medication to calm inflammation around the painful area Apply taping and padding to relieve strain on the plantar fascia Administer physical therapy (eg. ultrasound, cold laser) Control foot function with an orthotic Prescribe special splints to help stretch the fascia Surgical release of the plantar fascia and excision of the heel spur (rarely required). Other causes of heel pain

Various types of arthritis Trauma to the heel Inflammation of the tendons around the heel Heel Neuroma (benign tumors of the nerves around the heel) Abnormality in the shape of the heel bone Foreign body in the heel (eg. splinter)