The constant ache that occurs in your heels can be a result of a variety of causes. Some of them include extraneous activity, injury, uncomfortable shoes or even from standing too long. However, the most common type of foot pain experienced occurs in the heel and more than 40% of Americans suffer with it.
So what is the best way to go about treatment or prevention? First, you need to be evaluated to determine the type of foot condition causing your heel pain. After that, treatment is administered for proper healing.
Five common conditions associated with heel pain include:
- Bruising – Can happen if you step on a rock or another hard object. You may not see an actual bruise formation, but it will definitely hurt when you put pressure on your heel. Bruising can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms such as foot numbness, swelling, or experiencing trouble walking and running.
- Bursitis – Occurs from inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that’s between a tendon and skin or a tendon and bone. The condition happens in the foot because of chronic overuse, trauma, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis. It can affect the toe joints, the side of the foot, the heel, and around the ankle. Common symptoms include inflammation, swelling and muscle weakness.
- Heel Spurs – Cause severe pain and develop as an abnormal growth of the heel bone from calcium deposits. What happens is that calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area. This action causes a bony protrusion to develop. They often occur with plantar fasciitis, swelling, corns and calluses.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It can happen from repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia (a thick band of tissue), which becomes irritated and inflamed. Your plantar fascia runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Symptoms include serious pain throughout the day, after you climb stairs or after you stand for a long period of time.
- Achilles Tendinitis – Is an inflammation of the tendon and caused by repetitive intense strain on the tendon. You use your Achilles tendon when you walk, run and jump. Swelling and stiffness along with pain are symptoms that often occur.
If you are struggling with heel pain, or would like more information about one of the conditions listed above, please call our office today to set up an appointment. Let us work with you to help relieve your heel pain.