Plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs are common foot conditions that can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily life. These conditions are often a result of repetitive stress or overuse of the feet, leading to inflammation and pain in the heel area. Recognizing the connection between these conditions and military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits for veterans who develop these conditions as a result of their service.
However, understanding the complexities of a VA claim for plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs can be confusing. Many veterans find themselves navigating a maze of documentation, medical records, and strict eligibility criteria. Failing to comprehend these can lead to inaccuracy in claims, delays, and even unfavorable outcomes.
This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process and equip veterans with the knowledge they need to confidently seek the benefits they deserve. Read on to learn more!
To successfully file a VA claim for plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs, it is essential to comprehensively understand the specific medical conditions and how they may be related to your military service. Begin by meticulously compiling all relevant medical records, doctor's reports, and any other documentation that substantiates your claim. It’s also beneficial to gather personal statements or affidavits from fellow service members who can corroborate your condition and its connection to service.
Plantar Fasciitis is a prevalent foot disorder characterized by the inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The condition results in stabbing pain that usually occurs with the very first steps in the morning. As you get up and move more, the pain typically decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or after rising from sitting.
Military personnel are particularly susceptible due to prolonged periods of standing, heavy load carriage, and intense physical training, making it a common condition found in veterans.
Posterior Calcaneal Spurs, also known as heel spurs, develop when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone. Over time, this buildup can form a bony protrusion. These spurs can exist without causing pain, but they can also cause significant discomfort and are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis. The stress on the foot’s muscles and ligaments, as well as the repeated tearing of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone, are common in military service and can contribute to the formation of these spurs.
Foot discomfort, especially in the heel area, can often be attributed to conditions like plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs. Both conditions, although distinct, can lead to severe pain and hinder daily activities. By understanding the typical symptoms associated with each, individuals can better advocate for their health, seek appropriate medical care, and, for veterans, potentially strengthen their VA claims.
Plantar fasciitis typically results in a sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot, near the heel. The pain is usually most severe with the first steps after waking up, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting. The pain is usually worse after exercise, not during it. Here are some of the common symptoms:
Sharp Heel Pain: This pain is particularly noticeable in the morning when taking the first steps out of bed, or after long periods of inactivity.
Tenderness at the Base of the Foot: The bottom of the foot may feel tender to the touch, especially near the heel.
Difficulty Walking After Prolonged Rest: After sitting or lying down for an extended period, individuals may experience difficulty or pain when they start to walk.
Posterior calcaneal spurs may not always cause symptoms. However, when they do, the symptoms can sometimes be confused with plantar fasciitis. Here’s how you can identify them:
Heel Pain, Exacerbated When Standing: Pain in the heel that worsens when putting weight on the foot, especially after periods of rest.
Swelling at the Heel’s Back: There might be noticeable swelling at the back of the heel, indicating the presence of a spur.
Visible Bony Protrusion: In some cases, the spur might be visible as a small bony bump on the back of the heel.
While anyone can develop foot issues, certain conditions or behaviors increase the susceptibility to conditions like plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs. Understanding these risk factors can aid in prevention and provide context for those who suffer from these painful conditions.
Plantar fasciitis stands out as the most common cause of heel pain, affecting up to 10% of the population at some point in their lives. However, several elements can increase an individual's likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. These include:
Excessive Pronation (Flat Feet): Individuals with flat feet often have an abnormal walking pattern, which puts added stress on the plantar fascia ligament.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight can increase the strain on the plantar fascia, making individuals with obesity more susceptible to the condition.
Wearing Ill-fitting Shoes: Shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning can contribute to or exacerbate plantar fasciitis.
While posterior calcaneal spurs can form for various reasons, some common factors include:
Chronic Achilles Tendonitis: Continual inflammation of the Achilles tendon can lead to the development of heel spurs.
High Arches: Just as with flat feet, high arches can alter the natural biomechanics of the foot, leading to increased risk.
Wearing Shoes without Proper Heel Support: Similar to the risks associated with plantar fasciitis, wearing shoes that do not offer enough heel cushioning or support can increase the likelihood of developing posterior calcaneal spurs.
To accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs, a comprehensive approach is typically adopted. It starts with a thorough patient history detailing the onset, nature, and duration of pain. This is followed by:
Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will palpate (touch) parts of the foot to identify tenderness and swelling. They will also assess the foot's biomechanics, looking for abnormalities like flat feet or high arches.
Imaging Tests: While the physical exam provides valuable information, imaging tests like X-rays are often employed to visualize the inflammation of the plantar fascia or the presence of heel spurs. In some cases, advanced imaging such as MRI might be used to get a clearer picture or rule out other conditions.
Differential Diagnosis: It's crucial to differentiate plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs from other conditions that can cause heel pain, such as Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, or nerve impingements.
Effective management aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore normal foot function. Treatment modalities can include:
Conservative Treatments:
Rest: Giving the foot a break, especially from activities causing pain, is fundamental.
Ice: Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and offer pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Guided exercises and stretches can help strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
Orthotic Devices: Custom-made or over-the-counter insoles can provide added support, distribute pressure evenly, and alleviate strain on the plantar fascia.
Night Splints: These devices keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position overnight, which helps stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, offering relief.
Corticosteroid Injections: For persistent pain, a steroid injection can be administered directly into the inflamed fascia, offering temporary relief.
Surgery: In rare cases where other treatments fail, surgery might be considered. This could involve detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone or removing the heel spur.
The VA uses a schedule of rating disabilities that's based on the severity and impact of the condition on a veteran's daily life. The exact percentage can vary based on factors like reduced movement, pain, and the presence of additional complications.
Yes, you can still file a claim. However, it’s essential to provide evidence that your condition is related to your military service. This can be done through medical records, buddy statements, or other forms of documentation.
The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence provided. On average, most claims are processed within 3-6 months, but it can be longer if more information or examinations are required.
Yes, if your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. It's advised to consult with a VA-accredited representative or attorney who can guide you through the appeal process.
Yes, once your claim is approved, the VA will provide medical care and treatments relevant to your condition, which may include therapy, medications, orthotic devices, or even surgery.
In concluding, understanding the VA claim for plantar fasciitis and posterior calcaneal spurs is imperative. By arming oneself with this knowledge, veterans can better navigate the claims process and access the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Explore the nuances of VA disability benefits tailored for reservists, gaining insight into eligibility criteria, application procedures, and crucial documentation. At American Veteran, we equip you with the knowledge to navigate the VA system and secure the benefits you've earned through your service commitment.
