Plantar Fasciitis & Heel
Spur
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Plantar fasciitis
(inflammation of the plantar fascia) and is common in several
sub-groups of people, including runners and other athletes, people who
have jobs that require a fair amount of walking or standing
(especially if it is done on a hard surface), and in some cases it is
seen in people who have put on weight -- either by dietary
indiscretion or pregnancy.
The plantar fascia is a broad ligament-like structure that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes, acting like a thick rubberband on the bottom arch of the foot. The plantar fascia can develop microtrauma at its insertion into the heel bone, or anywhere along its length. This causes pain which can be quite severe at times. |
A Heel Spur is a piece of calcium or bone that sticks out from the
bottom of the heel bone, and lies within the fibers of the plantar fascia. When
walking, the spur digs into the plantar fascia and causes small micro-tears in
the plantar fascia. This produces inflammation and pain in the heel, which at
times may radiate into the arch.
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