What Causes Painful Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis
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Posted On :
Jul-07-2009
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Article Word Count :
474
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The human body is truly astounding; they consist of the perfect blend of fluid, special hormones, muscles, and bone tissue. Unique protection is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in any place on the body that bears weight.
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Your Feet Can Hurt for Many Reasons
The human body is truly astounding; they consist of the perfect blend of fluid, special hormones, muscles, and bone tissue. Unique protection is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in any place on the body that bears weight. However, when this delicate balance is disrupted by ailments or sudden injury, the result can be terrible pain. Heel bone spurs and plantar fascitis are two conditions of the feet that can cause a person to lose mobility.
The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs or Plantar Fasciitis
A heel bone spur is a pointed portion of bone that tends to grow out of the calcaneus, or heel bone. They can be located either under or on the rear of the heel. When a heel bone spur is present, it can cause swelling and tearing of the muscles of the foot, which is aggravated with regular activity or when pressure is placed on the afflicted foot. When the bony growth is located behind the heel, it can bother the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling in that region. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this certain condition worse. On the other hand, when the underside of the heel is where the spur is located, it aggravates the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this injury as being made worse when applying pressure on the heel.
Causes of Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Medical findings suggest that heel spurs can have genetic ties. most times, heel spurs are caused by motion that is repeated and overextension of the plantar fascia tissue due to athletic activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org reports that arthritis or diabetes can make it more likely for someone to develop either of these problems. But they go on to state that most cases are caused by wearing improperly-fitting shoes.
How to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
The goals in treatment of these injuries are to diminish the inflammation of muscles and ligaments as well as stop re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be achieved in several ways:
* Use of the best orthotic inserts available to properly align the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
* Use of anti-inflammatory medications
* The use of circular shoe inserts for the heel
* Applying ice on the affected places
* As a last resort, surgery to take out the heel bone spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
* Appropriately-cushioned shoes
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What Causes Painful Heel Spurs and Plantar Fascitis_1579.aspx
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Author Resource :
The researchers at Footminders understand that by restoring normal foot function, you can regain your natural body balance. They have developed unique orthotics for restoring normal foot function. Footminders orthotics also prevent many common foot pain problems.
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Keywords :
flat feet, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis treatment, fallen arches, pronation, overpronation, foot pain, orthotics, spo,
Category :
Health and Fitness
:
Health and Fitness
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