Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Everyday thousands of people are plagued by heel pain. One common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. The Plantar Fascia is a long ligament like structure that runs from the heel bone (calcaneus) all the way out to the toes. Many patients that suffer from Plantar Fasciitis complain of heel pain during the first few steps after they get out of bed. This pain usually subsides once the patient is up and walking for a while. This pain commonly recurs again after sitting for long periods of time. The cause of this type of heel pain is from the pull of the plantar fascia on the heel bone. When one is asleep or not standing, the plantar facia attachment to the heel bone is loose. However, once the patient stands on their feet after sleeping or sitting, the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone becomes very tight. This can produce a lot of inflammation and subsequently pain in the area of the attachment. If this area stays inflamed day after day for a long period of time, a heel spur may result due to the pull of the plantar fascia on the heel bone. It should be understood that patients do not have to have a heel spur to suffer from plantar fasciitis and not all patients with heel spurs have heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is treatable. At McKinney Foot and Ankle Center, plantar fasciitis is treated with a combination of Non-Steroidal Antiinflammitories, cortisone-like injections, strapping of the foot, and custom molded arch supports (orthotics). Only 3-5% of the heel pain patients seen at UMG need a surgical release of the plantar facia. If you have any questions about plantar fasciitis of other causes of heel pain, call Dr. Silvers at McKinney Foot Center, and he will be more than happy to speak with you.