Thursday, October 27, 2011

What Causes Heel Pain? - Toronto Podiatrist

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Help for Heel Pain  - Toronto Podiatrist

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Dr. Sheldon Nadal discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis).

What causes heel pain?
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome.Other causes include gout, arthritis, broken heel bone, infection, foreign bodies (such as stepping on a needle). Your podiatrist can determine the exact cause of your heel pain.

What is plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome?
Plantar fasciitis is due to a tight tendon located under the arch and attached to the bottom of the heel. It has become strained and inflamed, often due to a lack of proper support, or due to an injury, or overuse. Over time, the tendon may begin to pull away from its attachment at the heel and a bone spur develops. Generally, the problem is not due to the heel spur, it is due to the inflamed tendon.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?
Usually, you will experience pain at the bottom of the heel, particularly when getting out of bed in the morning or when starting to walk following a period of rest. It tends to feel better after a moderate amount of walking. It may not hurt during a workout but usually hurts more the next day following the workout.

What can I do at home to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis?
Applying ice to the tender area for short periods may help. Also, try gentle calf stretches. Aspirin may relieve the inflammation. Elevating the heel by putting a soft pad in the shoe under your sore heel may help. Women may feel better in a shoe with a higher heel.

What if my heel still hurts?
It's time to see a podiatrist.

Visit our website: http://www.footcare.net

 

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