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◗ Other soft-tissue growths.◗ Heel bumps or ‘pump bumps’, a

bone enlargement at the back of the heel bone.

◗ Bruises or stress fractures to the heel bone.

Overcoming theproblemIf pain and other symptoms ofinflammation – redness, swelling, heat– persist, you should limit normaldaily activities and consult your localpodiatrist.

Your podiatrist may conduct anumber of x-rays to look for heelspurs or fractures.

TREATMENT Early treatment might involve exerciseand shoe recommendations, taping orstrapping and anti-inflammatorymedication (such as aspirin). Taping orstrapping supports the foot, placing

stressed muscles in a restfulstate and preventingstretching of the plantarfascia. Other physicaltherapies may also be used,including ice-packs and ultra-sounds.

These treatments willeffectively treat the majorityof heel and arch pain withoutthe need for surgery.

Only a relatively fewcases of heel pain require

surgery. If required, surgery isusually for the removal of a spur, butalso may involve release of the plantarfascia, removal of a bursa, or aremoval of a neuroma or other soft-tissue growth.

RECOVERYYour recovery will depend on thecause of your heel pain and yourindividual health. If you are sufferingwith a heel spur or plantar fasciitis, itnormally takes about six to eightweeks for a healthy individual to fullyrecover. That is when the injured areais fully rested or properly strapped.

Preventing future problemsFOOTWEARWear shoes that fit well – front, backand sides – and have shock-absorbentsoles, rigid uppers and supportive heelcounters. Do not wear shoes withexcessive wear on heels or soles.

Heel Pain Heel pain is one of the most commonconditions treated by podiatrists. It isoften a message from the body thatsomething is in need of medical atten-tion. Pain that occurs right after aninjury or early in an illness may playa protective role, often warning usabout the damage we have suffered.

Who gets heel pain?The greatest incidence of heel pain isseen in middle-aged men and women.It is also seen in those who take partin regular sporting activities and thosesignificantly overweight and on theirfeet a lot. Heel pain can also occur inchildren, usually between 8 and 13, asthey become increasingly active insporting activities.

The causes of heel painWhile heel pain has many causes, it is usually the result of faultybiomechanics (abnormalities in theway we walk). This can place toomuch stress on the heel bone and thesoft tissues attached to it.

The stress may also result frominjury, or a bruise incurred whilewalking, running or jumping on hardsurfaces; wearing poorly constructedfootwear; or being significantlyoverweight.

Systemic diseases such asarthritis and diabetes can alsocontribute to heel pain.

Common complications HEEL SPURA common cause of heel pain is theheel spur, a bony growth under theheel bone. There are no visible featureson the heel, but a deep painful spotcan be found in or around the middleof the sole of the heel (see diagram).

Approximately 10 per cent of thepopulation may have heel spurswithout any pain.

Heel spurs result from strain onthe muscles of the foot. This mayresult from biomechanical imbalance,a condition occurring in many people.

PLANTAR FASCIITISBoth heel pain and heel spurs arefrequently associated with aninflammation of the long band oftissue that connects the heel and theball of the foot. The inflammation ofthis arch area is called plantar fasciitis.

The inflammation may beaggravated by shoes that lackappropriate support, especially in thearch area, and by the chronic irritationthat sometimes accompanies anathletic lifestyle.

OTHER CAUSES OF HEEL PAIN◗ Excessive rolling in of the feet

when walking.◗ An inflamed bursa (bursitis), a

small, irritated sack of fluid at the back of the heel.

◗ A neuroma (a nerve growth).

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heel spurPlantarFascia

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pain Your Podiatrist Talks About

Heel painHeel pain

Published in the interest of foot health by the Australian Podiatry CouncilACN 008 488 748

STRETCHES AND EXERCISEPrepare properly before exercising.Warm-up before running or walking,and do some stretching exercisesafterward.

Pace yourself when youparticipate in athletic activities. Ifoverweight, try non weight-bearingactivities such as swimming orcycling.

ADDITIONAL CONTROLYour podiatrist may also use taping orstrapping to provide extra support foryour foot. Orthoses (shoe inserts)specifically made to suit your needsmay be also be prescribed.

How your podiatristcan help Podiatrists are highly skilled foothealth professionals trained to dealwith the prevention, diagnosis,treatment and rehabilitation ofmedical and surgical conditions of the

feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists havecompleted a Bachelor of Podiatry orhigher degree, and are continuallyupgrading their skills and knowledgethrough further education andtraining.

Regular visits to your podiatristcan help prevent recurrences of heelpain and other associated footproblems.

Where can I find apodiatrist?Refer to your Yellow PagesTM for a listof podiatrists in your area, or contactthe Australian Podiatry Association inyour state.

Many health funds in Australiaprovide cover for podiatry services ontheir ancillary tables and governmentfunded services are available throughthe Department of Veterans’ Affairs,some public hospitals and communityhealth centres.

*This information should not be used as asubstitute for podiatric or medical attention.

MY PODIATRIST IS:

Keep the calf musclesflexible