Welcome! Active Alignment has merged with Ortho-Kinetics to expand our service area. While Brad Gibbs remains on as a Pedorthic Consultant, Jen Gulas C. Ped (C) and Patrick Purves C. Ped (C) will be providing pedorthic care in the Cambridge and Oakville locations in addition to the existing Active Alignment locations in Waterloo, New Hamburg, and Stratford. Ortho-Kinetics patients, please click here to learn more.
HEEL PAD SYNDROME / HEEL SPUR
Heel Pad Syndrome or Heel Spur:
This is an injury or thinning of the protective fat pad that sits under the heel bone. It’s characterized by a deep, bruise-like or sharp pain in the middle of the heel.
Heel Pad Syndrome commonly coincides with a heel spur (a calcium deposit on the bottom of the heel).
Pain is often worse with prolonged standing and walking. Heel pad syndrome can initially begin like Plantar Fascia pain, but can persist with impact forces.
Active Alignment Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis:
– Custom Foot Orthotics with a cushioned, supported heel cup
– FS6 Compression Sleeve
– Therapeutic Footwear
– Therapeutic Massage Ball
– Resistance Bands
– Stretching with targeted exercises for intrinsic arch strength including videos
The difference between Plantar Fasciitis and a Heel Spur / Heel Pad Syndrome is:
1) Location of the pain: Heel Pad Syndrome or heel spur pain is typically felt in the center, perimeter and posterior heel; Plantar Fascia pain is on the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet.
2) When the pain happens: Plantar Fasciitis generally is noticeable first thing in the morning and upon rising, but tapers off. Heel Pad Syndrome or heel spur pain is tender when weight bearing with progressive worsening through the day.
3) How long the discomfort lasts: Plantar Fasciitis is acute or short term in nature and can resolve relatively quickly with proper treatments, however, Heel Pad Syndrome can linger past the 8 week mark and not respond to Plantar Fascia management techniques.