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Jun 18, 2017 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Heel spurs develop in response to trauma of the plantar fascia, which can ultimately cause a
great deal of pain when walking. They occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months.
Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia. Stretching of the plantar fascia leads to plantar fasciitis. Repeated episodes of plantar fasciitis leads to heel spur formation.
Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping or workers who walk on uneven surfaces often. They are found in about 50% of plantar fasciitis cases. Once you control your plantar fasciitis, then it will decrease your chances of getting a heel spur.
We will therefore focus today on plantar fasciitis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
The most common symptom is pain under the heel and sole (bottom) of the foot. The pain is often worst when you first get out of bed in the morning. It can also be bad when you get up after being seated for some time. The pain is very obvious when you put pressure on your heel.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO FEEL BETTER?
Yes, you can:
IS THERE A TEST FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
No, there is no test. But your doctor should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. He or she might suggest an X-ray, or other tests to check whether your symptoms might be caused by something else.
HOW IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATED?
The first step is to try the things you can do on your own. But if you do not get better, or your symptoms are severe, your doctor might suggest:
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING HEEL PAIN AGAIN?
Yes. To reduce the chances that your pain will come back:
Approximately 10% of the population will have heel pains from plantar fasciitis. It’s an annoyingly painful experience. Your best bet is to avoid it by wearing soft sole footwear and controlling your weight.
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