Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain
These terms usually describe the same symptoms. It is marked by pain on the bottom of the heel or under the arch towards the heel area. One usually feels this pain on the first step out of bed or sitting for a while and then walking. It is caused by a stiff ligament on the bottom of the foot called the “plantar fascia”. When we’re young this ligament is very flexible and adapts easily to being stretched and relaxed. As we grow older, especially in our 30’s and 40’s, the ligament becomes stiffer and does not stretch as effortlessly as it once did. In the area where it attaches to the Calcaneus (heel bone) it pulls more on the bone causing pain and inflammation. Over a period of time, the constant pulling causes a bone spur.
 

Most treatment is conservative care, designed to reduce the inflammation. One should note that there is no quick fix the will take the pain away immediately. Ice, stretching, and oral anti-inflammatories are excellent ways to reduce the inflammation gradually over a few weeks. A cortisone injection in the area is a great way to reduce some of the pain and tenderness, especially when the ligament and attachment are inflamed. Custom orthotics work well to take the pressure off of the area and help eliminate abnormal pronation that contributes to the pathology.

Though every patient is different, many people do not require surgery to correct the problem. I would estimate that 95% of patients get better in 4-8 weeks with regular doctor visits, cortisone injections, orthotics, and with consistent stretching. Another new treatment is shockwave therapy which is a non-invasive treatment in treating chronic conditions.