HEEL PAIN
In our fast moving lives, heel pain has become an epidemic.
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, is one of the most common
foot problems treated in a podiatrists office. This is due to the
combination of long work days and lack of exercise. People are also
gaining weight and losing their muscle strength and flexibility. These
represent many of the contributing factors to heel pain. The foot
structure often weakens and does not function well leading to pain.
Typical symptoms consist of pain when getting out of bed in the
morning and after sitting. Many people also experience discomfort at
the end of the day or the day after exercise/strenuous activity. Others
describe their pain as radiating, burning or sharp shooting pain which
is likely a nerve in the heel area. This nerve pain is fairly common
and often overlooked.
The plantar fascia, a major support structure, is partially
responsible for supporting the foot arch and for absorbing shock while
walking or running. The fascia extends from the heel to the ball of the
foot. The fascia is a flat band similar in makeup to a ligament. For
various reasons, the fascia weakens and causes the arch to fall and
weaken, thus developing a lower arch or "flat foot". As a result, there
is excessive stretch or tension on the fascial band which causes
inflammation or swelling and often small tears of this band. With
repeated stress of the fascia on the heel bone or calcaneus, a spur or
bone enlargement may develop. This is the body's way of responding to
stress. When a tissue is stressed, the body forms more of that tissue,
in this case bone. The bone spur itself does not cause pain, a common
misconcepcion.
In addition to the swelling of the fascia, there is likely a
related irritation, entrapment or enlargement of various nerves around
the heel. It has been shown that these nerves are a major source of the
pain experienced with plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
So what causes the pain in the heel?
It is a combination of swelling of the fascia and the irritated
nerves of the heel. The heel spur itself causes no pain even though on
x-ray it looks pointed and appears as a sharp object. As a matter of
fact, many people have fasciitis without the spur. And some have nerve
pain without fasciitis.
Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, notes that in his 21 years of
practice he has rarely removed the actual bone spur. He also stated
that over the past 10 years he has used advanced treatments to heal the
pain and more recently has used a cutting edge technology known as
Cryosurgery with a high success rate. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar
certified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa area for foot problems. Dr. Katz is now offering advanced super-pulsed laser technology to relive and heal your heel pain without surgery!
How do we treat Heel Pain?
Treatment of heel pain can be frustrating for the patient and
physician alike. Healing can take months and sometimes as long as a
year. This does not mean that there will be constant pain for that
period of time, however, expectations need to realistic. It is
important to seek treatment as early as possible.
There are many treatment options for heel pain. Your doctor should
customize a treatment plan depending on individual factors including
lifestyle, foot types and any other associated illnesses. Treatment
should not only concentrate on the heel but also on the person as a
whole. Many factors both physical and physchological may be important
to consider. In addition, weight control, systemic medical conditions
and injuries should be evaluated. Evaluations consist of a thorough
history and physical, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI if
necessary. Referrals to other specialists may be needed if there are
associated medical conditions.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory pills, ice, cortisone
injections, custom orthotic arch supports, padding, strapping, night
splints, removable casts, stretching, physical therapy, shockwave,
homeopathic and natural medicine, change in activities, weight-loss
programs, wearing different shoes, change in activities and change in
life style.
And now the most effectivce treatment offered by Dr. Katz, super-pulsed laser technology!
Dr. Katz customizes his treatments to each patient and exhausts
conservative treatments prior to considering more invasive treatments.
He stated that Cryosurgery has shown some excellent long-term results!
This newer treatment is recommended after trying other treatments.
However, at times it may serve as a first line treatment for certain
patients. This procedure is done in the office and is minimally
invasive and allows the patient to quickly return to normal activities.
This is an excellent option before more invasive heel surgeries that
carry more risk of complications.
The patient is always advised that to help prevent recurrence of
the condition, custom orthotic devices, continued stretching and
bodyweight control are necessary.
Treatment of heel pain can be a challenge. Find a Podiatrist that
is compassionate and willing to spend the necessary time and try
different treatment options.
Author Resource:-
Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative cutting edge techniques for foot pain relief.
He prides himself on compassion and concern for all patients. Dr.
Katz specializes in foot infections, cryosurgery, wounds and minor
in-office procedures. Dr. Katz treats all foot, ankle and leg
conditions. For more information
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com