Physiotherapy for heel pain

Whether a heel spur itself plays a role in the perception of pain is a matter of scientific controversy. Numerous ligaments, tendons and muscles are attached to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon attaches behind the heel bone and below it to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a tendon plate and is particularly important for tensioning the longitudinal arch. The longitudinal arch is the area between the heel bone and the ball of the big toe.

Heel pain can have a variety of causes. For example, heel pain in runners is often a sign of overuse. Bone growths, circulatory problems in the foot, inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bone fractures and rheumatic diseases can also cause various types of heel pain. Pain can occur at rest as well as during or after weight bearing.

Locate and explore heel pain

Physical therapy focuses on localizing pain and exploring exactly where it begins. Depending on how pain is felt and the distribution of stress zones, the extent of heel pain and the degree of inflammation can be determined. Medications that have an analgesic or anti-inflammatory effect are not usually used in physiotherapy. The focus is on the origin of the complaints and thus the cause of the additional bone growth. This is the only way to achieve targeted treatment and a lasting solution. The goal is to achieve optimal pressure distribution in the feet in order to reduce tissue swelling around the heel spur and gradually reduce inflammation.

Certain movement sequences and walking methods are practiced so that they can be regularly integrated into everyday life. In addition to exercise, shoe inserts or other measures may be recommended. For heel pain, not only shoes with a small elevation of the heel help, but also special shoe inserts that can reduce pressure on the heels. By simply wearing customized insoles or pads, the foot can be permanently relieved.

Healthy feet have a positive effect on the entire body and provide holistic balance and equilibrium. Only those who feel good from head to toe find the right grounding and look forward to a light, carefree feeling. Bone growth is the result of persistent overloading of the foot. Excessive stress occurs, for example

• due to incorrect position of the foot (especially flat feet)
• if the affected person is overweight
• in occupations that are predominantly performed while walking or standing
• muscle weakness
• without warming up muscles, tendons and ligaments before training
• wrong shoes

Risk of heel pain

The risk of developing a spur increases with age, as the natural fat under the heel compresses and protects the tendons and bones less from stress. Therefore, people between the ages of 40 and 60 are most affected.

If the foot is subjected to heavy (one-sided) stress over a long period of time, small tears develop in the tendon of the foot plate. The body tries to “repair” the tissue and provide more stability by storing calcium in the affected areas, which ossifies over time. This is how a heel spur develops.

Treating a heel spur is a lengthy process that can take weeks to months. The goal is to relieve acute pain and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

An essential part of therapy is relieving tight structures. Patients are advised to stand or walk as little as possible and to elevate their foot.