Heel Pain, Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis explained

"I get out of bed in the morning and feel a sharp pain in the centre of my heel with my first steps.."

Sounds familiar? Heel pain (and heel spur) is by far the most common foot problem in the UK, with many thousands of people suffering. Fortunately, for most people with heel pain or heel spurs, affordable heel pain relief solutions are now available...

>> Go to Heel Pain Treatment Solutions

Heel Pain and Heel Spur(s) symptoms

Most people experience heel pain with their first steps in the morning, after getting out of bed. It is presented by a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. Heel pain varies in severity. In most cases, heel pain is more severe following periods of inactivity (e.g. early in the morning or after sitting for a long period).

What exactly causes Heel Pain?

The most common cause of heel pain and heel spurs is Plantar Fasciitis. This is Latin for inflammation of Plantar Fascia. The Plantar Fascia is the flat band of tissue under the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. Normally, the fascia is flexible and strong.  However, due to factors such as abnormal stress, excessive weight, age, or poor foot function, painful stretching and micro-tearing of the Plantar Fascia occurs leading to irritation and inflammation at the attachment of the Plantar Fascia into the calcaneus (heel bone).

Continuous pulling of the fascia at the heel bone, eventually may lead to the development of bony growth on the heel. This is called a Heel Spur.

During rest (e.g. when you're asleep), the Plantar Fascia tightens and shortens. When body weight is rapidly applied to the foot, the Fascia must stretch and quickly lengthen, causing micro-tears in the Fascia. Hence, the stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning.

Over-stretching of the Plantar Fascia is more likely to happen if:

- you suffer from over-pronation (flattening of the arch)
- you stand or walk on hard surfaces, for long periods
- you are overweight or pregnant
- you have tight calf muscles

Treatment solutions for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain and heel spurs can be treated with simple, non-surgical methods. The most common heel pain relief solutions are:

• Rest, avoid prolonged activity, such as walking, running and sports
• Ice, apply ice for only 5 mins, allowing the inflammation to cool down 
• Weight loss
• Stretching exercises
• A low-cost orthotic shoe insert

The most effective solution to heel pain is to treat the cause of the problem by correcting abnormal foot mechanics with orthotic insoles.

Developed by podiatrists, Footlogics orthotics control over-pronation and support the arches. They help release the tension on the Plantar Fascia, thereby treating the cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Plus, a soft shock-absorbing heel pad helps reduce the impact on the painful heel, providing added relief and walking comfort.

Footlogics biomechanical arch supports were developed by a podiatrist and have helped many thousands of heel pain sufferers across the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia. Interestingly, a recent Heel Pain study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) found that by wearing orthotics, combined with a number of daily stretching and strengthening exercises, 95% of patients experienced substantial, lasting relief from their heel pain symptoms!