Pain in heel of foot is one of the common foot problems. Since the heel is the biggest bone in the feet, it is most likely to be prone to injury. Heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis are used interchangeably; the latter is a newer term and often used by medicine professionals.
Heel spur is the outgrowth of the bone of the heel. It is located at the back or at the bottom of the heel. Symptoms for heel spur are pain at the back of the heel and the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Heel spur are deposits of calcium due to the stress put on feet and the inflammation of the plantar fascia. There is an increase of tension at the feet because of the lack of flexibility of the calf muscles. Putting ice on the infected will reduce the pain in heel of foot. But put a cloth around the ice when applying it to the skin.
Plantar fasciitis is due to the overstretching of plantar fascia. Plantar fascia is a tissue that is found in many parts of our body. Fascia is responsible for supporting bones and muscles while in motion. The plantar fascia at the feet is mainly designed to support the arch of the foot. When we stand, the impact is put in the arch of the foot. If we do activities that put stress more than it can bear, the plantar fascia is inflamed and here comes the pain in heel of foot. Symptoms for plantar fasciitis are swelling and tenderness can be felt at the bottom of the feet. In most cases the condition usually occurs in one foot. The cause of the condition is usually wearing too tight shoes and exercises that put too much impact on the foot.
Heel pain will lessen by taking inflammatory drugs. Examples of these medicines are ibuprofen and aspirin. Whether to undergo a surgery depends upon the diagnosis of the foot surgeon. It is also better to wear shoes that properly fit you. Limiting exercises that puts too much strain on the feet will make the recovery faster. Pain in heel of foot is a manageable condition if you know what to do.