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Heel pain is the most common of all foot complaints. An estimated 400,000 people in Australia suffer from heel pain, heel spurs or Plantar Fasciitis. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options available, or watch the 'Heel Pain explained' video below.
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"I wake up in the morning and feel a sharp, stabbing pain, right in the centre of my heel. After a while the pain subsides and comes back as a dull ache..."
Most people experience heel pain with their first steps in the morning, after getting out of bed. It is presented by a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. Heel pain varies in severity. In most cases, heel pain is more severe following periods of inactivity (e.g. early in the morning or after sitting for a long period).
The pain will diminish throughout the day as the nerves and tissue adjust themselves and become accustomed to the inflamed area. However, after longer periods of inactivity (e.g. sitting at home or driving) heel pain will return stronger and sharper.
It should also be noted that heel pain sufferers often also experience very tight calf muscles, combined with tender Achilles Tendons (the tissue at the back of the heel).
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The most common cause of heel pain and heel spurs is Plantar Fasciitis. This is Latin for inflammation of Plantar Fascia. The Plantar Fascia is the flat band of tissue under the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. Normally, the fascia is flexible and strong. However, due to factors such as over-pronation, excessive weight, age, or poor foot function, painful stretching and micro-tearing of the Plantar Fascia occurs leading to irritation and inflammation at the attachment of the Plantar Fascia into the calcaneus (heel bone).
Continuous pulling of the fascia at the heel bone, eventually may lead to the development of bony growth on the heel. This is called a Heel Spur.
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During rest (e.g. when you're asleep), the Plantar Fascia tightens and shortens. When body weight is rapidly applied to the foot, the Fascia must stretch and quickly lengthen, causing micro-tears in the Fascia. Hence, the stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning. |
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Over-stretching of the Plantar Fascia is more likely to happen if:
- you suffer from over-pronation (flattening of the arch)
- you stand or walk on hard surfaces, for long periods
- you are overweight or pregnant
- you have tight calf muscles
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A number of Heel Pain studies have shown the benefits of orthotics and exercises in the treatment of heel problems. For example, a comprehensive Heel Pain study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) found that by wearing orthotics, combined with a number of daily stretching and strengthening exercises, 95% of patients experienced substantial, lasting relief from their heel pain symptoms!
The Footlogics Heel Pain Program has helped many thousands of heel pain sufferers in Australia and Europe. This Doctor-recommend program consists of:
1) a daily 5-minute routine of special exercises (download FREE Exercises Sheet here)
2) wearing a Footlogics orthotic shoe insert
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Developed by podiatrists, Footlogics orthotics control over-pronation and support the arches. They help release the tension on the Plantar Fascia, thereby treating the cause of heel pain and heel spurs. Plus, a soft shock-absorbing heel pad helps reduce the impact on the painful heel, providing added relief and walking comfort.
Footlogics orthotic insoles are effective and affordable! They are available from selected pharmacies across Australia. Click here to find your nearest stockist.
Or, they can be purchased direct from Footlogics either on-line, via e-mail or over the phone (FREE shipping to anywhere in Australia and New Zealand).
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Recommended orthotics for Heel Pain, Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis:
Footlogics Casual or Footlogics Comfort |
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Additional treatment solutions for Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain and heel spurs include:
• Rest, avoid prolonged activity, such as walking, running & sports
• Ice, apply ice for only 5 mins, allowing the inflammation to cool down
• Weight loss
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