Heel spur syndrome
Heel Spur Syndrome
A Summary of What the Condition Is
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What commonly causes the symptoms
- Overuse and repetitive stress on the plantar fascia.
- Activities that place significant stress on the feet, such as long‐distance running or prolonged standing.
- Wearing inappropriate footwear, such as shoes with inadequate arch support or very thin soles.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Age‐related changes in the foot's structure and flexibility.
- Certain foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches.
- Sudden increases in activity level.
- When to seek help:
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Recommended remedies:
- Rest (avoid activities that aggravate the pain).
- Ice packs (apply to the heel for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day).
- Over‐the‐counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or naproxen).
- Stretching exercises (for the calf muscles and plantar fascia).
- Supportive footwear (shoes with good arch support and cushioning).
- Consider weight loss if overweight.
- (The video may mention other treatments like physical therapy, night splints, cortisone injections, or, as a last resort, surgery. These are generally not considered "remedies" one would do at home, but rather interventions by medical professionals.)
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N.B. and Disclaimer
- ⊗ Note: To support recovery and prevent future issues, maintain a routine of consistent stretching and strengthening exercises for your feet and calves.
- ⊗ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or treatment options.
AN OVERVIEW OF HEEL SPUR SYNDROME
Patient Consultation
Osteopath: Hi, what brings you in today?Patient: Hi, I’ve been having this sharp pain in my heel, especially when I take my first steps in the morning. It eases up a bit as I move, but it comes back after long periods of standing or walking.
Osteopath: I see. How long have you been experiencing this pain?
Patient: For a few months now. At first, it was just occasional discomfort, but lately, it’s been getting worse.
Osteopath: Understood. Is the pain mainly in one foot, or do you feel it in both?
Patient: It’s mostly in my right foot, but sometimes I feel a bit of discomfort in the left as well.
Osteopath: And would you say the pain is sharp, dull, or more of a throbbing sensation?
Patient: It’s usually sharp, like stepping on a small stone, especially in the morning. Later in the day, it can turn into a dull ache.
Osteopath: That’s helpful to know. Have you noticed any swelling or redness in the area?
Patient: No, not really. Just the pain.
Osteopath: Have you made any recent changes to your daily routine, like new footwear, increased physical activity, or standing for longer periods?
Patient: I started a new workout routine a few months ago, with more jogging and long walks. I also changed my shoes around the same time.
Osteopath: That’s important. Have you tried anything to relieve the pain, like ice, stretching, or special footwear?
Patient: Yes, I’ve tried icing it, which helps a bit. Stretching my foot before getting out of bed also seems to make a difference.
Osteopath: That’s good to hear. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the pain when it’s at its worst?
Patient: I’d say around an 8 in the morning, but more like a 4 or 5 as the day goes on.
Osteopath: And does anything in particular make it worse?
Patient: Walking barefoot on hard floors definitely makes it worse. Long periods of standing too.
Osteopath: Have you seen any other healthcare professional about this or had any imaging done, like an X-ray?
Patient: No, not yet. This is my first time seeking help for it.
Osteopath: Okay. Do you have any medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis, or are you currently on any medication?
Patient: No, I don’t have any medical conditions and I’m not on any medication.
Osteopath: Good to know. Lastly, what type of shoes do you normally wear during the day?
Patient: Mostly sneakers, but sometimes flat shoes with very little arch support.
Osteopath: That’s helpful. Thanks for sharing all of that. I’m going to assess your foot posture, check for tenderness, and evaluate how your muscles and joints are functioning.
Patient: Okay, sounds good.
Osteopath: Great. Please take off your shoes and stand on the examination mat so we can have a closer look.
Words & Phrases to Remember
| Term | Definition | Click to hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fasciitis | Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain. | ˈplæn.tɑr ˌfæʃ.iˈaɪ.tɪs |
| Heel Spur | A calcium deposit on the heel bone causing pain. | hiːl spɜr |
| Arch Strain | Overuse or stress on the foot arch leading to discomfort. | ɑrtʃ streɪn |
| Flat Feet | A condition where the arches of the feet are flattened. | flæt fiːt |
| Orthotics | Custom shoe inserts designed to support foot function. | ɔrˈθɒtɪks |
| Heel Pad | A cushioning insert placed in shoes to reduce pressure on the heel. | hiːl pæd |
| Tendonitis | Inflammation of a tendon causing pain and restricted movement. | ˌtɛn.dəˈnaɪ.tɪs |
| Gait Analysis | The study of walking patterns to diagnose foot problems. | ɡeɪt əˈnæl.ə.sɪs |
| Stretching Exercises | Movements aimed at improving flexibility and reducing pain. | ˈstrɛtʃ.ɪŋ ˈɛk.sɚ.saɪ.zɪz |
| Night Splint | A brace worn at night to keep the foot in a stretched position. | naɪt splɪnt |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing pain at the back of the heel. | əˈkɪl.iːz ˌtɛn.dəˈnaɪ.tɪs |
| Metatarsalgia | Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often caused by overuse or improper footwear. | ˌmɛt.ə.tɑːrˈsæl.dʒə |
| Pronation | The natural inward rolling motion of the foot during walking or running. | proʊˈneɪ.ʃən |
| Corticosteroid Injection | A medical treatment involving the injection of anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce pain and swelling. | ˌkɔːr.tɪ.koʊˈstɛr.ɔɪd ɪnˈdʒɛk.ʃən |
| Shockwave Therapy | A non-invasive treatment using sound waves to promote healing in chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis. | ˈʃɒk.weɪv ˈθɛr.ə.pi |
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