Live Life Team
The largest bone of the human foot is the heel. It provides support for the body weight. Our feet help us in walking by absorbing the impact when the feet hit the ground. Heel pain is very common because stress on the feet is one and a quarter times the weight of the body while walking. Heel pain is generally mild and disappears after certain time. But in some cases the pain can persist and may become chronic. Different causes result in heel pain. One of the most common condition is plantar fasciitis.Other conditions include pain from nerves in the lower back and policeman’s heel.
Symptoms of heel pain
Pain in the heel develops gradually without any injury in the affected area. Wearing a flat shoe may trigger the pain and also lead to inflammation of the area. The pain generally tends to appear in the front part of the heel. It usually starts in one heel and causes pain on standing. The pain goes off with activity but it may become eminent at the end of the day or if a longer time is spent on the foot.
Some of the common causes of heel pain are
Plantar fasciitis
If the plantar fascia is stretched or strained beyond its normal extension, it causes heel pain. Plantar fascia is a strong ligament that runs from the calcaneum (heel bone) to the tips of the toes. The strain causes inflammation of the soft tissue fibres. This causes pain particularly on taking the first step in the morning. The pain is accompanied by cramping of the calf muscles. This is due to the tightness of the Achilles tendon.
The underlying position of your foot
This is also one of the common causes for heel pain. Therefore it is important to wear good shoes. A pronating foot is one which flattens excessively on standing. This can be corrected using orthotic devices. These are special devices that help in improving the way a foot functions. People who are overweight, wear unsupportive shoes and who spend long time on their feet are affected by Plantar fasciitis.
Heel bursitis
Bursa is a fluid filled sac under the heel bone. The inflammation of bursa is called heel bursitis. In this condition the pain is felt deep inside the heel or at the back of the heel. The both sides of Achilles tendon may also swell up. The pain may increase and worsen throughout the day.
- Heel bumps
- Immature heel bone on being rubbed too much causes this condition.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Stress fracture
- Chronic inflammation of the heel pad
- Achilles tendonitis
- Severs disease
Treatment
Treatment of heel pain depends on the cause of pain.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis
The following ways can be helpful in resolving heel pain in this condition
- Stretch out the Achilles tendon and calf muscles
- Check your footwear. Avoid flat and unsupportive shoes
- Use anti-inflammatory medication
- Use insoles and orthotics to correct any foot faults
Treatment for heel bursitis
The podiatrist may recommend using a cushioning insole or a heel cup.
Treatment for heel bumps
Heel bumps are often treated by orthoses to control the heel movement.
