It is now believed that the heel spurs visible on x-rays are not the primary cause of heel pain. Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis at the site of its attachment to the calcaneus. Treatment should focus on reconstructing the fascia structure, rather than breaking down or removing the calcaneus bone spur. In most cases, conservative treatment is sufficient, which includes regular exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and calf triceps, wearing orthopedic insoles, and shock wave therapy. Treatments in the field of regenerative medicine are a modern form of therapy. If you want to read more about how we treat it in our hospital, click here. Surgical treatment is the last resort and involves a partial dissection of the aponeurosis (fasciotomy).

A typical symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the medial area of ​​the heel, which is strongest in the morning, especially during the first steps after getting out of bed. The feet appear stiff and painful, only after the feet “part” or massaged, the heel discomfort slightly diminishes. Palpation tenderness at the heel is also observed, and there is often increased tension in the calf muscles.

Prophylaxis of plantar fasciitis consists in limiting the factors leading to contracture and overload of the fascia. The treatment includes regular stretching of the aponeurosis and triceps muscle of the calf, self-massage of the plantar part of the foot, weight reduction, wearing insoles correcting possible valgus of the feet and selection of comfortable footwear. The above-mentioned treatments help to reduce the risk of the disease recurrence.