Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Heel spur / plantar fasciitis

Heel pain is a common foot problem. Pain is felt under the heel when standing or walking. The pain usually comes from the plantar fascia (a thick fibrous tissue) that supports the arch on the sole of the foot. Inflammation of this tissue is called plantar fasciitis. The longer the inflammation lasts, the greater the chance that a bone (heel) spur will form where the fibrous tissue attaches to the heel bone.

Excessive force and stretching of the plantar fascia cause heel spurs to form. Distance runners are prone to chronic cases of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Others at risk are those who have:

• excessive pronation (which is bearing weight on the inside surface of the foot)
• flat feet
• knock-knees
• high arches or
• tight calf muscles

symptoms of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis usually develop slowly. Pain is worse when first rising in the morning and diminishes during the day. The pain increases if weight-bearing activities are performed. Severe cases may have numbness on the outside of the foot. A lump can sometimes be felt when a heel spur develops. Shoes with poor arch supports and very stiff soles can contribute to the condition.

Treat heel pain by:

• stopping the activity that is causing the problem
• Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day.
• wearing a one-eighth-inch heel wedge inside both shoes
• not walking in bare feet
• continuing non-weight bearing activities like swimming or biking
• stretching the calf muscles and
• using crutches to relieve stress on the heel

Consider taking medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs as directed on the label and if approved by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Seek medical help after 6 weeks of self care if there is no relief. Recovery time may take several months to a year. Severe cases may need surgery for recovery.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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