The truth about heel spurs

Most people don't give much thought to the anatomy of their feet until pain or an injury interferes with movement and everyday activities.

For professional athletes and physically active individuals, issues like pronation, gait, and the shape and angle of the foot's arch are all important factors that play a vital role in their overall physical performance and success. But for the average person, heel pain usually Heel Spurs boils down to the choice between comfort and style in choosing footwear.

What are Heel Spurs?

Unlike other foot and ankle injuries like sprains and Achilles tendinitis, which typically result from accidents and mechanical overuse, heel spurs (plantar fasciitis) cause heel pain when the connective tissue that runs from the base of the toes to the heels becomes inflamed.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

This is where the height of the foot's arch and pronation comes in. Pronation refers to the inward roll of the feet and ankles when the heel strikes the ground during motion. If the inward roll of the ankles is excessive (overpronation), it causes the arches to flatten out (also referred to as "flat feet") and strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet.

In addition to heel pain, overpronation can also cause other foot and ankle problems including:

  • Arch pain
  • Knee, hip, and back pain
  • Shin splints
  • Corns, bunions, and calluses
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Alexandria
 
A little foot pain is normal from time to time. For persistent foot pain, it is important to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for a foot or ankle injury. Depending on the patient, podiatrist Dr. Angelo Pace may prescribe physical therapy, icing and rest to reduce inflammation, orthotics to correct alignment and pronation problems, or medication.

If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, contact Alexandria foot doctor Angelo Pace, DPM at Advanced Pace Foot And Ankle Center by calling 703-971-7100 to request an appointment today!