Heel Spur

Understanding Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis: Causes and Comprehensive Treatment

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are common foot conditions that can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability to move freely. Whether you’re experiencing sharp pain in your heel or persistent soreness in the bottom of your foot, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes and how to address them effectively. At PhysioActive, we believe in a comprehensive approach to treatment, looking beyond the symptoms to uncover and address the root causes of your pain.

What Are Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis?

• Heel Spurs: A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term stress on the foot. This can lead to pain, especially when standing or walking, as the spur presses against soft tissues in the foot.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. This condition is characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment

At PhysioActive, we take a holistic approach to treating heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, recognizing that foot pain often has multiple contributing factors. By addressing the root causes of your discomfort, we aim to provide lasting relief and help you return to your normal activities.

• Evaluating the Back and Nerve Tension: Heel pain may be connected to issues in the lower back, such as radiculopathy or nerve tension affecting the tibial nerve. Nerve impingement in the spine can lead to referred pain or heightened sensitivity in the feet. Our thorough assessment includes evaluating your back and nervous system to determine if these factors are contributing to your heel pain.
• Assessing the Vestibular System: Your body’s balance and posture are closely linked to the vestibular system, which helps regulate how you distribute your weight. If your weight is consistently shifted back onto your heels, it can increase pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to pain. We assess your vestibular system to ensure that your balance and posture are optimized, reducing undue stress on your heels.
• Strengthening the Feet: Weakness in the muscles of the feet can contribute to poor foot mechanics, increasing the risk of developing heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. We focus on exercises that strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet, improving their ability to support your body and absorb shock effectively.
• Analyzing Movement Patterns and Muscle Imbalances: The way you move plays a crucial role in the health of your feet. Poor movement patterns or muscle imbalances can place excessive strain on the plantar fascia and heels. Our therapists work with you to identify and correct these patterns, ensuring that your gait promotes pushing off with your toes rather than pulling from the heels, which helps distribute forces more evenly across the foot.
• Gait Analysis and Correction: Your gait, or how you walk, can significantly impact the health of your feet. Ideally, your gait should involve a smooth push-off from the toes, rather than excessive pulling from the heels. We conduct a detailed gait analysis to identify any issues in your walking pattern and provide corrective exercises to promote healthier movement.
• Addressing Lifestyle Factors: Other factors, such as reduced blood flow to the feet or poor venous return, can exacerbate heel pain. Conditions like diabetes, prolonged sitting, or inadequate hydration can limit circulation, leading to slower healing and increased discomfort. We provide guidance on lifestyle modifications that can improve circulation and overall foot health, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and ensuring proper hydration.

Why Choose PhysioActive?

At PhysioActive, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Our experienced team of therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to understand all the factors contributing to your pain, and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Don’t let heel pain keep you from enjoying life. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and start your journey toward pain-free movement. At PhysioActive, we’re here to help you get back on your feet with confidence and comfort.