Heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament or Achilles tendon where they attach to your heel bone. The inflammation occurs because of excessive tension at the attachment. The tension can also cause a heel spur to form.
A heel spur can form on the bottom of the heel bone because of tension applied by the plantar fascia ligament when standing and walking. Similarly, tension by the Achilles tendon can lead to a heel spur forming on the back of the heel. These tensions can cause an injury beneath the surface of the bone and stimulates the creation of new bone to be produced in the direction of the tension. This growth of bone on the heel is the spur.
The growth of a heel spur can be limited by reducing the amount of tension on the plantar fascia ligament. This is accomplished by stabilizing the mechanics of the lower extremity with a custom orthotic device. The reduced pull of the ligament will also limit the inflammation that commonly results in plantar fasciitis.
If you are suffering with heel pain and are concerned that you may have developed a heel spur, contact Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider for a comprehensive evaluation.