Heel Pain in New Zealand

Many people in New Zealand suffer from heel pain, also referred to as heel spurs. There is pain in the anterior part of the heel or the heel bone. The symptoms are often the most intense whilst standing but they will diminish during the day. However, after a day of activities (sports, standing for a while, walking distances etc), the pain at the end of the day will increase. Sometimes the pain may radiate to the rest of the foot or the inside of the leg. In most cases the pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia which runs from the heel to the toes under the foot. The inflammation is caused by overloading of the tendons where they insert into the underside of the heel bone. This overload can be the result of a combination of the following factors: ill-fitting shoes and not enough shock-absorption, especially in sports like running, aerobics and long walks, standing for a while etc. Also misalignments of the foot (flat foot, fallen arches, over-pronation). Or fast weight gain in a relatively short time (e.g. through pregnancy) and last but not least age plays an important role with New Zealanders and sore heels.

The inflammation can lead to calcium build-up being deposited onto the heel bone (or calcaneus). In that case we speak of a "bone spur". Ossification of the posterior calcaneal spur occurs in the calcaneal attachment of the Achilles tendon. This form is also known as Haglund's syndrome. While one can present with inflammation and thickening of plantar fascia, only in an ultrasound image becomes the heel spur visible on radiographs. A bone spur is not painful and requires no treatment. It's just a symptom of heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment of heel pain and heel spurs. The pain is annoying but fortunately usually disappears over time, whether or not spontaneous. In approximately 50 percent of patients the pain disappears within 3 to 4 months. If pain is still present after 4 months treatment is required. If the pain is very annoying and persistent, you'll need to consult your doctor. The doctor will ask you a number of questions (about your symptoms, your daily activities and your shoes) and will closely examine your feet, palpating the heel area. If necessary, the assistance of a physiotherapist, chiropodist or an orthopaedic shoemaker may be required. As an emergency action you may be given medication like an anti-inflammatory providing an instant pain relieving effect. What can you do yourself? To fight pain in the heels you can try the following:

1) seek advice from a professional (physiotherapist, chiropodist, podiatrist, orthopaedic shoemaker, sports medicine advisory center on your shoes. 2) the application of ice-compressions on the painful area (ten minutes twice daily) 3) reduce the load on the foot by taking regular rest.4) If overweight try to lose some weight. 5) for elderly persons: muscle strengthening exercises for the feet (under the guidance of a physiotherapist) A heel spur is found in about 10 percent of the population. It occurs most frequently between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age, but often remains asymptomatic. In the great majority of those affected, the symptoms remain without any specific treatment or conservative treatment (without operations) is employed. The various forms of treatment available include orthotic insoles which have a recess in the area of the spur for pressure relief. This recess has typically a foam cushion. In addition, it must be supported with in the longitudinal arch, because the padding of the spur itself is not enough usually. Also, physiotherapists often prescribe targeted exercises for Plantar Fasciitis to reduce stress and tension.

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