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Heel spur causes intense pain on the heel, which are particularly disabling. Even if pain perception is variable from one person to another, are we all equally likely to develop plantar fasciitis? Are there people who develop easier this type of talalgia (heel pain) than others? Let’s discover who is at risk and what are the aggravating factors of heel spur.
What’s a heel spur?
Heel spur is a condition that can result from microtraumas on the plantar aponeurosis, what causes small tears. These damages on this connective tissue, which is composed of collagen and links up the heel and the base of the toes, can cause an inflammatory reaction. In some advanced cases, small bone particles fix to the calcaneus (heel bone), forming a heel spur that increases strain on the aponeurosis and leads to pain.
Who are the people most affected by plantar fasciitis?
Some congenital predispositions seem to favour the development of such condition. By the way, people who have disorders of the arch of the foot (flat or hollow feet for example) are more prone to develop a plantar fasciitis. Indeed, in case of flat foot, the contact of the aponeurosis with the ground is increased and it is consequently more exposed to microtraumas.
Also, this condition seems to affect slightly more women but especially sportspersons. It represents up to 8% of injuries among runners(1)!
However, sedentary people are also concerned. Like a bridge that is under stress while in a stationary position, the plantar aponeurosis is facing a lot of difficulties. Then, its overuse causes microtears, which deteriorate this membrane made up of collagen.
What are the aggravating factors of plantar fasciitis?
Because this condition is degenerative, age stimulates the process. Cell regeneration decreases and microtraumas multiply. However, this condition can occur at any age.
Also, the body weight is a significant factor that aggravate plantar fasciitis. In case of obesity, the weight during a standing position is heavy. The pressure on the aponeurosis increases and weakens it, what may go until causing fallen arches.
Intense activity is also an aggravating factor of plantar fasciitis. Excessive or repeated stretching and shocks when the foot hits the ground (jump, running, etc.) also weaken the aponeurosis.
In addition, wearing inappropriate shoes favours the condition. High heels or too flat shoes intensify the stresses and multiply the shocks of the impact foot/ground.
I am a person at risk, what should I do?
Don’t worry, suffering is not a fatality! Take care of your feet, wear adapted shoes with a moderate heel that lifts your feet, and prefer materials that absorbs shocks.
The EPITACT® heel lifts* distribute pressures better. The few millimetres thick of these heel lifts reduce the stress on your aponeurosis and relieve pain. These medical devices are made up of a material that reduces shocks resulting from the impact of the foot on the ground. The centre of this heel lift is composed of a silicone gel for optimal comfort and to limit support on the calcaneus. Choose your size HERE and have your order delivered directly to your home for free!
*These products are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully read the instructions before use. Manufacturer: Millet Innovation. 09/2021
For more details about this general and simplified approach, here are further sources:
(1)Taunton JE, Ryan MB, Clement DB, McKenzie DC, Lloyd-Smith DR, Zumbo B. A retrospective case-control analysis of 2002 running injuries. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(2):95–101.