Common Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is probably one of the most common pathologic problem of the foot. We sometimes experience foot pain after long periods walking especially after spending a day at the mall. We can also develop heel pain after long periods of standing, just like when we stand on line or if our jobs involve hours of standing.

The heel pain that is produced is due to the enormous strain the feet have to endure during this time, trying to balance your whole body and also carry your weight at the same time. This is the reason why you have to often rest your feet. Most often, you could feel your feet straining and trying to tell you to give it a break.

Pain is one indicator for injury. Of course, pain has different intensities and people have their thresholds against pain. At first, the pain of the foot is bearable so we commonly ignore this condition. We only take notice of foot pain when the pain becomes so severe that it is no longer bearable. In this case you may need a foot doctor to check if there are pathologic conditions contributing to the pain.

Most often the cause of foot pain involves a structure found just below the foot called the plantar fascia. This plantar fascia is a strong fibrous tissue connecting the heel to the toes and is also responsible for the arch of the foot. Due to overuse, this fascia can get injured and cause inflammation, this is called plantar fasciitis. Though this condition could be easily treated by resting the foot, the pain can persist and can be debilitating so then it is advisable to seek a podiatrist.