The heel bone -calcaneus- has a circular structure. I think it is the most important bone of our foot that connects us to the earth by being in contact with the ground. The first area that touches the ground while walking is on the heel bone.
The heel bone -calcaneus- has a circular structure. It is the most important bone of our foot that connects us to the world by being in contact with the ground. The first area that touches the ground during walking is on the heel bone. After this contact, with the acceleration created by the forward move, a rolling motion occurs from the top of the foot, thanks to the roundness of the heel bone. With this rolling motion, the foot touches the ground and walking continues. During ground contact, all of the body weight is transferred onto one foot. It is protected by a fascial structure with a suspension mechanism so that there is no direct mechanical load on the bones of the foot due to the acceleration of the movement and body weight. Thanks to this structure, which is defined as the Plantar Fascia; After the rolling movement, a soft contact with the ground occurs, then the roof of the foot collapses slightly due to the body weight, and then it returns to its original form thanks to the suspension mechanism of the plantar fascia. It is very important for us that the roof of the foot moves without being damaged by the plantar fascia and other soft tissues.
Pain that increases during the first contact with the ground and when you put weight on the foot Most of them are due to Heel spur and/or Plantar Fascitis. Apart from these, there may be many causes/diseases.
Bio-mechanical problems that will prevent the rolling motion on the heel bone and vectorial problems that will create excessive tension on the plantar fascia cause disease/injury.
– Minimal shifts in the calcaneus after ankle sprain,
– Delay in the heel strike movement during contact with the ground or incorrect contact point,
– Tense and/or compressed sciatic nerve,
– Imbalance/tension/stiffness in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,
– Direct trauma,
- Overloading of the plantar fascia after the tension in the muscles in the inner part of the leg,
– If there is limitation of ankle joint movement, the vectorial load that occurs after the rolling of the foot in contact with the ground creates tension on the plantar fascia,
– Slippage that may occur on the foot roof,
– Bio-mechanical axle breakdown; As in everything else, one of the reasons is axle deterioration. Loss of motion in the hip joint can overload the ankle joint. Everyone knows the definition of overuse, a similar definition of disuse occurs, that is, misuse. One of the main causes of misuse is the deterioration of the bio-mechanical load axis.
- The most important reason is overload. The reason for this may be the stress and weight of the person; They may also have persistent hobbies in repetitive movements.
Due to these and similar reasons, calcaneus loading changes and the tension and control mechanism of the plantar fascia are affected. As a result of these downloads, The harmony between the calcaneus and the plantar fascia is disturbed. However, we cannot put an end to the load on our feet, because we are constantly in motion and the load continues during walking.
If an imbalance develops due to the above reasons, a tension is created at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the calcaneus.
1. After this tension in the early period pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of movement occurs. However, as we continue to load, there is a bony prominence begins to form. After the bony prominence is formed, the pain increases, especially when loading the inner side of the heel.
2. Due to the injury and deterioration of the bio-mechanical load axis; As a result of the fear of moving and/or the compensation mechanism (a protective process) that develops to be able to move, loss of function occurs.
3. This starts from the foot loss of function may progress towards the knee, hip and spine.
It is beneficial to be treated from an early period. After your diagnosis is made by a specialist doctor, you should definitely be treated for heel spurs. If I were to list my suggestions that you should do at home: