The most common cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony prominence located on the bottom of the heel bone (see diagram). The major cause of heel spurs is usually due to lowering of this arch or flat feet.

There is a strong ligament on the bottom of the foot called the Plantar Fascia. It is attached to the bottom of the heel bone and stretches across the sole of the foot. The heel spur which is pointed and sharp actually "digs" into this ligament and the ligament becomes inflamed and painful.

The heel spur pain fits a characteristic pattern. It is worse when first stepping on the heel in the morning. Symptoms may then ease up slightly or disappear only to begin again with the first few steps after a period of inactivity.

 

Initial treatment usually involves injecting the area with Cortisone to help temporarily relieve the pain. A more permanent type of treatment involves the use of custom supports called orthotics. These orthotics go into your shoes and can be transferred from one pair of shoes to another.

The combination of Cortisone injections and orthotics is usually long lasting.

There is a new treatment for this condition, called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Click HERE for details!