Heel Pain
There are many causes of heel pain at the bottom of the foot with the most common being plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciosis- a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as
Causes of Heel Pain
Who gets heel pain?
The greatest incidence of heel pain is seen in middle-aged men and women. It is also seen in those people whom take part in regular sporting activities, people who are significantly overweight and those who are on their feet a lot. Heel pain such as sever's disease can occur in active children around the ages of 8 and 13.
The causes of heel pain
While heel pain has many causes, it is usually the result of faulty biomechanics (misalignments or abnormalities in the way we walk). This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running or jumping on hard surfaces; standing for prolonged periods; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being significantly overweight. Systemic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes can also contribute to heel pain.
Foot wear
Wear shoes that fit well – front, back and sides – and have shock-absorbent soles, rigid uppers and supportive heel counters. Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles. A good pair of running shoes is often recommended for people with severe heel pain. For more information on running shoes click here.
Stretches and Exercises
Prepare properly before exercising or sport. Warm-up before running or walking, and do some stretching exercises afterward. Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities such as running. If overweight, try non weight-bearing activities such as swimming or cycling.
Other Treatments
Ultrasound, rest, thermal therapy such as RICER, heat therapy, and ESWT are only a small list of the treatments that may be used to help your heel pain. Your podiatrist may also use taping or strapping to provide extra support for your foot. Orthoses (shoe inserts) specifically made to suit your needs may be also be prescribed.
Related articles:
Sport shoes
Sports Centre
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis vs Plantar fasciosis
RICER
Orthotics
Causes of Heel Pain
- Plantar fasciopathy (Plantar Fasciitis or Plantar Fasciosis)
- Excessive rolling in of the feet when walking (over pronation)
- An inflamed bursa (bursitis), a small, irritated sack of fluid at the back of the heel or bottom of the foot.
- Soft tissue problems: Fat Pad Impingement, heel bruises
- Arthritis
- Severs Disease
- Achilles Tendonitis
- A neuroma or nerve entrapment such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar calcaneal nerve entrapment, entrapment of the abductor digitie quinti nerve, and Sciatica (S1)
- Other soft-tissue growths such as a cyst.
- Heel bumps (pump bumps or haglands deformity), a bone enlargement at the back of the heel bone.
- Bruises or stress fractures to the heel bone (calcaneous).
Who gets heel pain?
The greatest incidence of heel pain is seen in middle-aged men and women. It is also seen in those people whom take part in regular sporting activities, people who are significantly overweight and those who are on their feet a lot. Heel pain such as sever's disease can occur in active children around the ages of 8 and 13.
The causes of heel pain
While heel pain has many causes, it is usually the result of faulty biomechanics (misalignments or abnormalities in the way we walk). This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running or jumping on hard surfaces; standing for prolonged periods; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being significantly overweight. Systemic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes can also contribute to heel pain.
Foot wear
Wear shoes that fit well – front, back and sides – and have shock-absorbent soles, rigid uppers and supportive heel counters. Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles. A good pair of running shoes is often recommended for people with severe heel pain. For more information on running shoes click here.
Stretches and Exercises
Prepare properly before exercising or sport. Warm-up before running or walking, and do some stretching exercises afterward. Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities such as running. If overweight, try non weight-bearing activities such as swimming or cycling.
Other Treatments
Ultrasound, rest, thermal therapy such as RICER, heat therapy, and ESWT are only a small list of the treatments that may be used to help your heel pain. Your podiatrist may also use taping or strapping to provide extra support for your foot. Orthoses (shoe inserts) specifically made to suit your needs may be also be prescribed.
Related articles:
Sport shoes
Sports Centre
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis vs Plantar fasciosis
RICER
Orthotics
