Heel Pain Causes

Heel Pain Causes Overview

Heel pain causes vary significantly from person to person. Stemming from a sudden trauma to the foot, or overtime from repetitive stress, causes of heel pain usually depend on a person’s behavior. There are several types of conditions that most commonly lead to pain in the heel, but overuse is the usual culprit.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. When too much stress is placed on this ligament, tears in the tissue could develop. Plantar fasciits is the inflammation that results from these tears. Additional symptoms of plantar fasciitis including aching, swelling, and bruising along the heel of the foot. Facsciitis of the plantar ligament is often caused by repetitive or excessive stress due to poor choice in shoes, strenuous exercise regimens, or sudden weight gain.

Heel Spurs

Among common heel pain causes are heel spurs. These develop when stress on the fascia ligament causes it to pull away from the heel bone. This strain leads to a bony spur on the the heel bone, also known as the calcaneus. This fragment is caused by calcium that builds up and it causes heel pain when it digs into sensitive nerves and tissue.

Achilles Tendonitis

Another frequent heel pain cause is Achilles tendonitis. Similar to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis occurs when tears in tissue and inflammation develop in the Achilles tendon which runs from the back of the heel bone and up along the ankle. Also like plantar fasciitis, this condition results when stress on the tendon causes tissue damage, and can easily generate discomfort in the lower leg as well as the heel of the foot.

Most Causes of Heel Pain Can Be Averted

While there may be other heel pain causes, these are the most common. All of the above conditions can be influenced by too much physical activity or by repetitive stress placed on the tissue in the foot. Pain in the heel can easily slow anyone down, but if treated early the discomfort from these conditions can usually be minimized. However, treatment is ignored, minor symptoms can progress and more serious damage can occur.

Usually, there are risk factors for heel pain causes. One of the most common risk factors for heel pain is wearing unsupportive shoes. Having supportive footwear is particularly important for athletes or for those whose occupation require many hours of standing. To avoid causing damage, your shoes should be the correct size, offer ample cushioning in the heel and the ball of the foot, and should especially provide support through the arch. Simply wearing unsupportive shoes is an easy risk factor for heel pain.

Aside for wearing appropriate shoes, exercise routines should also be performed with caution. Although it’s often an afterthought, stretching should be done to prevent injury to sensitive tissue. By stretching the bottom of the foot and the calf prior to exercise, the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can be properly warmed up and loosened, reducing overall stress and tension in the foot during the workout. When incorporating a new routine, don’t over do it! Ease into greater difficultly or longer workouts to allow your ligaments and muscles to catch up.

Weight gain is also a common heel pain cause. Maintaining an appropriate weight is important for the health of your heels. Obesity not only adds weight to your feet but can also impair the mechanics of your feet. Aside from obesity, occupations that demand repetitive lifting can also play havoc with the heel of the foot. If your job requires heavy or repetitive lifting, stretching prior to and after work is essential!