Heel Pain

Heel Pain Overview

Heel pain is an extremely common complaint, affecting many different types of people. Most people take between 1,000 to 3,000 steps per day, making it no surprise that heel pain is most often the complaint of choice among those visiting podiatrists and orthopedic specialists. Sometimes characterized by a dull aching pain, sudden sharp pain, or even a progressing discomfort, heel pain is a symptom used generally to describe a variety of foot ailments. Most commonly, heel pain is the result of plantar fasciitis. While treatment for heel pain is generally simple, and non-intrusive, if left unchecked, heel pain and the underlying condition causing it can worsen. This makes it early treatment crucial.

Numerous factors and behaviors can contribute to heel pain and foot pain. Most cases of heel pain to not arise from an isolated injury, but rather from recurring stress or excessive strain on the rear of the foot. Many instances of heel pain are characterized by a dull aching pain in the heel. Bruising and swelling may also compliment discomfort.

There are several types of people that are particularly at risk for developing heel pain and related conditions. Heel pain often occurs among athletes, particularly runners, and anyone who regularly participates in strenuous exercise routines. Excessive or repetitive stress on the foot, ankle, and lower leg can easily lead to tears, inflammation, and even ruptures of the tissue in the heel of the foot. Additionally, those who have to lift heavy objects repeatedly can also run the same risks. Those who are obese may also be at risk as maintaining an unhealthy weight can easily cause progressing damage to the heel.

Common Causes of Heel Pain Discomfort

Heel pain can be felt in varying levels of discomfort, from mild irritation to chronic and severe aching. By far the most common ailment that causes heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition which develops when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed. This ligament runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes strained, tears can develop in the tissue along with inflammation. Plantar fasciitis can occur as a result of too much stress placed on the foot, wearing unsupportive shoes, excessive exercise, and/or sudden weight gain.

Another common cause of heel pain is a heel spur. Heel spurs develop when stress on the plantar fascia pulls the ligament away from the heel bone. Where the fascia connects to the heel bone (calcaneous) a small, hooked bone fragment can form. This heel spur is a pointed deposit of calcium that points forward towards your toes. Once it forms, a heel spur can dig into the sensitive tissue in the heel of your foot with every movement, causing inflammation and varying degrees of discomfort.

Those who suffer with heel pain often experience morning heel pain, particularly when first getting out of bed. After long periods of resting the feet, sudden weight being placed on the heel and plantar fascia can be especially painful. In many instances, morning heel pain subsides after the tissue and nerves warm up and adjust to the inflamed, damaged area of the heel.

Treating Heel Pain

The treatment of heel pain can begin with simple, non-invasive techniques. Since repetitive strain and weight can be at the root of many heel pain causes, it’s first important to refrain from participating in the types of physical activities that will add unneeded stress on the foot. This includes running and other sports that may aggravate the area even more. If the discomfort is addressed early, moderate treatment such as icing the inflamed area or taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medication may help to curb the pain. That being said, these may not provide the long-term relief from heel pain related ailments that you require.

One of the easiest and most successful forms of heel pain treatment is using a simple orthotic, or shoe insert. An orthotic device can slip easily into your favorite pair of shoes and help support and heel and help reverse damage that has developed. Not all heel pain orthotics are made the same, and many orthotics available in drug stores over the counter provide little more than cushioning and temporary comfort. If an orthotic is the type of treatment you’re looking for, make sure that it is specially designed for the treatment of heel pain ailments and to help heal the plantar fascia ligament.