Heel pain is not normal and at times can become quite bothersome. The good news is: it is often easily treated with conservative measures. Heel pain is caused by a variety of conditions and is often treated with medication, orthotics, physical therapy, exercise and change in footwear. Heel pain rarely necessitates foot surgery. Dr. King has extensive experience dealing with heel pain. He will assess your unique situation and provide the pain relief you need.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Physical Trauma
Bruising and fractures of the Heel can be quite painful. Falling off a ladder or hitting the heel directly with force can cause injury to the heel. Inflamed tissue, discomfort and sharp pain may be an indication of heel injury. If broken, you will not be able to walk on your heel.
Achilles Tendinitis
Pain in the back of the heel is often seen in active individuals who have recently begun a new activity or exercise program. It is an overuse injury.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is another overuse injury. If you wake up to sharp pain in your heel, chances are you have an inflamed plantar fascia. This is tough area of fibrous tissues that run along the bottom of your foot.
Sever’s Disease
This disease features irritation around the growth plates in the affected foot. It is often seen in active children or teens between the ages of 8 to 13.
Haglund’s Deformity
This deformity is often seen in women who wear high heels or “pumps”. You will notice an enlargement in the bone on the back of the heel that can be quite painful.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The tarsal nerve runs down the inside of the leg and into the foot. Nerve damage to this nerve can cause pain in the heel and arches.
Over Pronation
With every step we take, a slight rolling motion occurs. When this “pronation” becomes excessive it can often lead to heel and foot pain. It can also affect the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. It is especially prominent in individuals with low arches or flat feet.
Preventing Heel Pain
- Heel pain like many foot conditions can often be prevented with the proper foot care. Here are a few recommendations to prevent heel pain:
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable and provide arch support and shock absorption.
- When doing high impact training, cross train with low impact activity to avoid overuse injuries.
- Warm up and stretch before physical activity.
- Increase duration, intensity and frequency of workouts especially when you first start a new regimen.
Help for Your Heel Pain
If you are experiencing heel or foot pain, it is not normal and often can be resolved with the right treatment. Crown Foot and Ankle can help you relieve heel pain and provide you with ways to prevent your pain from returning. We are proud to serve the Lexington area providing excellent patient care and foot pain relief.
