Common Cause Of Foot Pain

Our feet are probably the most abused parts of the body. We use our feet the moment we get out of bed, it bears the weight of the whole body and imagine the tremendous stress we put on our feet when we run or lift heavy loads.  

It is no wonder why we experience foot pain every now and then. But if foot pain does not go away in a few days, you may have a foot condition that’s causing all your pain.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of chronic heel pain. The plantar fascia is a very strong connective tissue that attaches to the calcaneous bone or heel bone to the metatarsal bones, and is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot. Usually, the plantar fascia gets micro injuries when using the wrong footwear, lifting heavy weights, sports and due to old age.

Another common cause of foot pain is Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is also a very strong ligament, just like the plantar fascia. This time, the Achilles tendon is found behind the foot, and it attaches behind the heel bone to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles above. Just like the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon can also suffer from micro injuries which causes a lot of pain.

One way to manage foot pain is to do the RICE method. 

Rest. Allowing the foot to rest is very important to stop further injuries to the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. This will allow the micro injuries to heal.

Ice. Applying cold stimuli to the foot can relieve pain and inflammation. Do this in 2-3 minute intervals, too much isn’t good too, because it can actually aggravate the pain.

Compression. Wrapping the affected foot with an elastic bandage is a good way reduce swelling, it is also good in immobilizing the foot. Remember not to wrap the bandage too tight.

Elevate. Elevating the foot above the heart is an excellent way to alleviate swelling of the foot. This prevents any “pooling” on the affected foot.

Two Common Causes Of Heel Pain

We may not know it, but our foot is constantly under tremendous amounts of pressure when we walk, run,  lift weights - anything involving the use of the foot. We only notice this when our foot gets injured, which really involves a lot of foot pain. A little bit of pressure can sometimes make you jump back to your seat.

One of the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous strand of connective tissue that attaches below the calcaneus bone or heel bone to the metatarsals of the foot. This strong connective tissue is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot, which means the plantar fascia is constantly under pressure during activities involving the use of the foot.  This is the reason why the plantar fascia is commonly injured. Pain in plantar fasciitis involves the lower foot, especially in the first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time.

Another common cause of heel pain involves the injury of the Achilles tendon which is called Achilles tendinitis. The achiles tendon is found at the back of the foot, it also attaches the heel bone to the calf muscles above. Though this injury is common among athletes, a lot of women get Achilles tendinitis because of prolonged use of high heels. High heels, which keeps your foot at a tiptoe position shortens the Achilles tendon. When the heels are taken off, the Achilles tendon stretches more than usual causing injuries like a tear. Pain in Achilles tendinitis usually starts as a mild discomforting sensation that can gradually worsen. A ruptured tendon involves severe abrupt pain.

Both of these heel pain conditions can be treated by using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) method. Resting is very important in treating any injury of the foot. This allows the tears or injuries to heal. Ice or cold compress decreases any swelling which help accelerate healing. Elevating the injured foot above the heart can also relieve foot swelling; this prevents pooling of fluids to the foot.

If pain persists better seek medical attention and call a podiatrist or foot specialist.

Treat Your Heel Pain With RICE!!!

The best time to go outdoors and have a lot of fun with your family and friends is the summer time. This is the best time to go to the beach, go camping or do all sorts of outdoor stuff. But if you feel pain on your foot, like for example heel pain when you take your first step when you wake up in the morning or heel pain when you step out of the car, this may mean plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a strong fibrous tissue found underneath the foot. It attaches at the calcaneus or heel bone to the balls of the foot. This structure is very important since it maintains the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is under constant stress when walking, running, or when lifting weights. 

With every step, the first part of the foot that hits the ground is the heel bone and this area can be a source of irritation and inflammation that can affect not only the heel bone but the plantar fascia as well. Also, when the plantar fascia is over stretched, this can cause microscopic wounds which can cause pain.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly found among the elderly due to the natural wear and tear of the plantar fascia. This condition also affects athletes, more particularly runners.

If you are affected by this, don’t let your heel pain ruin your wonderful summer days. There are several ways to alleviate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. One easy way is the RICE method.

Rest. Resting the foot is one way of stopping heel pain due to plantar fasciitis. If the foot is allowed to rest for an extended period of time, this can promote wound healing and may cure plantar fasciitis.

Ice. Cold stimuli can control pain and swelling. 

Compression. Wrapping the foot with elastic bandages can help control swelling. Remember not to put the bandages too tight to allow proper blood circulation.

Elevate. Rising the foot above the heart is the best way to reduce swelling. Raising the foot allows venous return.

Another alternative way to treat this type of pain especially if it’s already causing chronic pain is EWST or Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy. This procedure uses shockwaves to allow the plantar fascia to heal naturally. This is a non-invasive procedure and lasts for just a few minutes per session. For most patients, pain relief is felt immediately after only one session.

Plantar Fasciitis One Of The Leading Causes Of Heel Pain

It is pretty common for adults to experience some kind of foot problem, especially on the heel area. Heel pain is one of the common foot problems of adults. This occurs because of the natural wear and tear of the foot. Sadly, daily exercise and activities that are supposed to be good for your health, can be stressful for the foot.

The calcaneus bone or commonly called the heel bone is largest the largest bone of the foot. This large bone is the first structure of the foot that hits the ground when walking or running. Under the foot, there is a very important structure called the plantar fascia. This is a very strong and tough connective tissue, it attaches to the calcaneus bone to the balls of the foot and it keeps the arch of the foot intact. Because of this the plantar fascia is under constant stress especially when carrying heavy objects. Due to the attachment of the plantar fascia below the heel bone, this area can be a source of irritation.

When these structure gets excessively stretched, this puts a lot of stress on the fascia and causes irritation making the heel area inflamed. This is called plantar fascia and this condition is probably the most common cause of heel pain. People who are into sports like runners, sprinters, football, basketball players are prone to develop plantar fasciitis. This occurs because of abrupt force delivered to the foot and irritating the plantar fascia. Certain conditions that can lead to plantar fasciitis are being overweight, having diabetes, or wearing tight or wrong footwear.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are heel pain on the first steps after getting out of bed in the morning or stepping out of a car. Pain gradually deceases after a few steps but pain could heighten up again during the day especially on long standing or climbing up the stairs.

A thorough physical exam and past medical history is expected for a podiatrist to properly diagnose foot pain due to plantar fasciitis. There are different causes of foot pain that can show similar symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A correct diagnosis is the key to proper treatment.

There are several approaches in treating heel pain and the goal is to relieve the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to be stretched excessively. At home, there are easy ways to relieve foot pain. Resting the foot is an effective way to stop the pain. If the foot is allowed to rest long enough, this can encourage healing of the plantar fascia. Ice packs or cold compress provide quick relief of pain and swelling. If pain still persists after these basic treatments, then a podiatrist is needed.

Relieve Heel Pain with RICE

Image by bark via FlickrHeel pain a common condition that affects adults of all ages. The heel bone is the largest bone of the foot. For every step taken, the lower portion of the heel bone is the first part of the foot that hits the floor. Our foot is specially disigned for walking, but injuries can still happen if we don't practice proper foot care.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This is due to the irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia is located under the foot. It is a strong fibrous ligament that is responsible for the arch of the foot and serves a very important role for the foot's biomechanics.

Injury of the plantar fascia is due to several factors like sports (especially in athletes involved in sprinting), using improper footwear, and being overweight to name a few. These injuries can cause the fascia to become inflamed creating variable intensity of pain in the foot.

Treatment of heel pain is easily managed at home. The best modality is to follow the R.I.C.E. method which stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevation.

1. Resting the foot is the initial step. Resting the affected area helps heal any injuries of the foot. Total immobilization is recommended for one to two days. It is also advised not to take any pain killers during this period because this masks the healing process since it "temporarily" alleviates pain, tempting you to use your foot.

2. Ice packs works great in releaving severe pain, it also help reduce swelling. Apply the ice packs every hour for 20 minutes.

3. Compression helps in controlling the swelling. Lightly wrap the elastic bandage around the affected area.

4. Elevating the foot helps prevent swelling and assists in venous return to the heart.

If heel pain still persists after the R.I.C.E. method, see your foot specialist.