Patients and doctors often confuse the terms heel spur and plantar fasciitis. Although these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia - the tissue that forms the arch of the foot. A heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus) and is associated with plantar fasciitis.
About 70 percent of patients with plantar fasciitis is heel to encourage that appears in X-ray. However, many patients without symptoms of heel pain can be encouraged. The exact relationship between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are not fully understood. For more information on plantar fasciitis.
Who is the heel spur?
Heel spurs are common in patients with a history of foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. As part of plantar fasciitis, heel spurs are more common in middle-aged men and women, but can be found at all ages. The heel spur itself is not believed to be the main cause of pain and inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia is thought to be the main problem. Diagnosed heel spurs is done when the X-ray shows a hook of bone protruding from the bottom of the foot where the plantar fascia attaches into the heel bone.
Why does a heel spur?
The plantar fascia is a thick ligamentous connective tissue that extends from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the ball of the foot. This strong and solid tissue that helps maintain the arch. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight on the foot while walking or running. This is why an enormous strain placed on the plantar fascia.
When a patient has plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia becomes inflamed and degenerative (worn) - these abnormalities can make normal activities quite painful. Symptoms usually worsen in the early morning after sleep. At that time, the tight plantar fascia, so even simple movements stretch the plantar fascia agreed. When you start to loosen the plantar fascia, the pain usually disappears, but returns often with prolonged standing or walking.
Heel spurs form in some patients with plantar fasciitis, and tend to occur in patients who have had the problem for a long period of time. While 70 percent of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur, X-rays also show about 50 percent of patients with no symptoms of plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur.
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