Foot Pathology and Heel Pain

In humans, the heel is a bony prominence due to the calcaneus or heel bone. Other structures found on the heel are the plantar fascia and the attachment of the Achilles tendon. The plantar fascia is a stong fibrous tissue located below the foot.

These structures are important to maintain balance while running, jumping, or doing any activities involving the foot. Also, all these parts work in harmony while bearing weight. The heel is constantly exposed to stress due to opposing pulling forces done by the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. The heel is also the first structure of the foot that hits the ground when walking or running. No wonder the heel has so much pathology.

The prevalent cause of heel pain usually involves the parts mentioned above.

When the plantar fascia gets irritated or injured this is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is usually seen in active individuals involved in sports. It is also seen in elderly patients where the plantar fascia weakens due to degeneration. The condition can also affect those who are not very active but have diabetes, are overweight, or use improper footwear.

Achilles Tendonitis is term used for an inflamed Achilles tendon. The causes of Achilles tendinitis are very similar to plantar fasciitis but it is fairly common in people involved in sports like runners and jumpers who overuse the Achilles tendon. On the other hand, plantar fasciitis is more common in individuals who develop injuries due to weight bearing.

Both conditions can be very painful and debilitating, but if the injury is not that severe the RICE method (rest, ice, compress, elevate) usually can reduce the pain. But if pain persists a visit to your podiatrist is your best option to properly treat your heel pain.