What is the cause of stabbing pains in the heel? Is it plantar fasciitis. Discover the real problem behind this common foot complaint and the effective treatments.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: The Proper Name and the Hidden Problem

Stabbing heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, and the most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, or rather, plantar fasciocis. This may come as a surprise to some, as there is a potential for misdiagnosis due to a frequently overlooked nerve problem. In this article, we will delve deeper into plantar fasciocis, the pain, treatments, and supporting research.

The Anatomy of Heel Pain: Where the Fascia Connects

The sharp, stabbing heel pain that frequently catches your attention when getting out of bed in the morning is often the result of the fascia connecting to the heel bone and extending out into the ball of your foot. Most people misunderstand plantar fasciitis as a tendon or a ligament, when in fact, it is a tight connective tissue.

What Causes Plantar Fasciocis?

With every step you take, the fascia is stretched and pulled from your heel, creating tension. Children and teenagers seldom have plantar fasciocis, as their fascia is flexible and stretches rather than pulls from the heel.

Treating Plantar Fasciocis: Home Remedies and Beyond

There are a multitude of treatments for plantar fasciocis, including home remedies such as icing, anti-inflammatories, night splints, stretching exercises, supportive shoes, arch supports, and ice packs. These can be helpful in the early stages of heel pain, as they can potentially assist in reducing the tension of the fascia in the heel. However, these home remedies often only provide partial improvement, leaving unresolved symptoms.

The Real Problem: Tissue Deterioration, Not Inflammation

According to science, the fascia is not inflamed, but rather the tissue is deteriorating. A study by Dr. Harvey Lemont found that out of 50 plantar fascia specimens taken during surgery for plantar fasciitis, only one showed inflammatory changes, while the other 49 showed the tissue was deteriorating, leading to the term “plantar fasciocis”.

Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciocis

Since the tissue is deteriorating, not inflamed, traditional treatments like ice, anti-inflammatory medication, or cortisone injections may not have high success rates. Instead, regenerative medicine techniques, such as the use of placenta cells or umbilical cord fluids to repair the damaged fascia tissue, have proven to be more effective.

The Hidden Problem: Nerve Pain

Another potential cause of heel pain is nerve pain, which can mimic the symptoms of plantar fasciocis. A small nerve branch called the medial calcaneal nerve, which travels from the ankle region to the bottom of the foot, can become irritated and cause sharp, stabbing heel pain. This type of pain can be effectively treated with a series of cortisone injections or laser therapy.

Diagnosing the Cause of Your Heel Pain

To determine the underlying cause of your heel pain, it is essential to undergo an ultrasound examination of the heel. This diagnostic tool can help identify whether the pain is truly due to fascia issues or if it is a nerve problem. If the fascia appears normal, the nerve problem should be suspected.

Can You Have Both Plantar Fasciocis and Nerve Pain?

Yes, it is not uncommon to have both plantar fasciocis and nerve pain. The thicker the fascia becomes, the more likely the nerve may become irritated, leading to a dual condition.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

If you have tried many conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis and still have sharp, stabbing heel pain, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a nerve problem as the underlying cause. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.

Conclusion

In summary, stabbing heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciocis, a condition where the connective tissue in the heel is deteriorating, rather than inflamed. While home remedies can provide some relief, more effective treatments, such as regenerative medicine and addressing potential nerve issues, may be necessary for lasting resolution of this common foot complaint.