FACT SHEET
Here at Simply Feet - we like to look at everything in a simple way!
The Traffic Light symbol above indicates the way you should approach this condition. Amber means that
you can begin treating this condition yourself. However, you should seek professional help if
you want reassurance that what you are doing is correct or if the condition fails to improve
within a short time.
So, let’s approach your problem in a methodical and logical manner, so that you can gain some knowledge
about your condition. After reading a little about it, you can decide on the best course of action.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your HPC
Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.
Heel Spurs
What is it?
The Main Symptoms are:
This is probably the most common foot complaint.
The heel is the part of the foot that strikes the
ground first when you walk. Pain in this area is as a
result of two major causes – the presence of a heel
spur, or the condition known as plantar faciitis.
l Swelling and painful tenderness of
the band of ligaments that run from
your heel to the ball of your foot.
Some Common Causes
l Heel spurs develop as a result of the
foot working in an abnormal way.
l “Flat Feet” are the main reason for this – because
the feet “roll inwards” on standing or walking, the
strip of ligament (the facia) that starts in your heel
and stretches forwards to your toes is overworked.
l So when this is happening – and it happens
with very single step – where the facia insets
into the heel becomes inflamed and painful.
l The bone in the heel will then form a growth
of additional bone to try and stop this pulling
going on – this bony growth is the heel spur.
l A highly arched foot can also
be just as troublesome.
l The presence of tight calf muscles will also bring
to bear additional stresses around the heel bone.
l A difference in the length of your legs when
compared to each other ( a leg length
discrepancy) can cause heel pain.
l This will be more apparent early in the
morning as soon as you put your feet to the
floor and take your first step of the day.
l You will find it very difficult to walk properly without
feeling discomfort for a little while after this and
then later on in the day the symptoms may return.
l The pain may also come back after any period
of inactivity as soon as you get moving again.
l Any sudden exercise without a warm
up will also produce the pain.
Some suggested treatment programs:
l Try and take the pressure off the
foot as much as possible.
l Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can
– you need support along the inside of your foot.
l Corrective Devices (Orthotics) – these will
help realign your feet ( stop the “rolling
inwards”) and allow the pressure you feel
as you stand to be directed towards the
outside of your feet where it should be felt.
l Wearing cushioned heel supports
and padding will help.
l Compression and stretching exercises
from your physiotherapist or podiatrist will
help manage the painful symptoms.
l Correcting a leg length discrepancy – where this
is the cause - with the use of a heel lift can help.
l Ice therapy to reduce the swelling will
bring welcome relief from the pain.
simply feet PO Box 7052, Brackley NN13 7WS Tel: 0845 3700 380 Email: service@simplyfeet.co.uk Web: www.simplyfeet.co.uk
Simply Feet is a trading name of JBG Healthcare Ltd