Complaints of pain in the heel is often considered as a result of high levels of uric acid. In fact, pain in the heel, especially if it appears when just woken up, is a hallmark of inflammation of the ligament that supports the arch of the foot.
Inflammation of the ligaments in medical terms is called plantar fasciitis. Ligaments that support the arch or heel bone connects to the toe bone is called the plantar fascia.
If the plantar fascia stretched too often, over time will become weak, swollen, and inflamed. Consequently heel or foot pain when standing or walking, after getting out of bed or sitting for long.
Plantar fasciitis is mostly experienced by those aged between 40-60 years. The condition also affects Rifki Feriandi (43). At first he thought the pain caused by gout.
"Everyone got out of bed in the morning is always sore left ankle. During the 2-3 months I ignored this complaint, but can not stand for long," he said.
According dr.Laura Djuriantina, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist RS Pondok Indah Jakarta, plantar fasciitis is caused by various factors, among others, many do activities that rely on the heels of, for example, long-distance running, ballet dancing, or aerobics.
"The shape and mechanical foot wrong, such as flat feet, excessive foot arch, or toe walking pattern can also increase the pressure on the plantar fascia," says Laura.
Other factors such as obesity, which is a lot of work rests on the feet, or shoes that do not fit. "For example, thin and loose bertelapak shoes, and shoes with no arch support which is sufficient to absorb the shock," he added.
The main symptom of this disorder is pain when sitting up from bed or longer, then slowly eased slightly stiff after walking a few steps. Pain usually increases when climbing stairs or standing for long.
At first of course it is important to rest the painful part. You do this by reducing road wear or sports that much leg. Cold compresses are also very useful.
According to Laura, radiological examination is needed to accurately determine the cause of heel or foot pain. "Generally, we will find a calcification on the heel bone. Ultrasound or MRI examination will reveal swelling or other changes in the fascia," he explained.
Plantar fasciitis can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections. Another therapy is physiotherapy, special tools to spread the load on the heel and arch sustain.
In the chronic cases that can be performed surgically or non-surgical treatment called Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT). The therapeutic use of high-pressure shock waves that are transmitted through the network on the sore area.
RSWT, according to Laura, prove useful in chronic cases, which had not previously tissue can heal itself so that it becomes chronic. "The shock wave will stimulate metabolic activity in the area of pain and blood flow," he said.
