Heel Pain: Causes and Treatment

Heel pain is probably the most common foot pathology. It is estimated 100,000 individuals in the United States suffer from this condition. In most cases, acute heel pain is simple, easy and affordable to treat. Unfortunately, a lot of people have the wrong approach in heel pain management and treatment, and this could lead to chronic heel pain.

Causes Of Heel Pain

There are a lot of conditions that can cause heel pain but the common culprits are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

Plantar fasciitis is due to overstretching of the plantar fascia causing multiple microscopic tears along the fibers of the fascia. The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue located underneath the foot. It attaches below the calcaneous or heel bone to the digits of the foot. The plantar fascia plays a vital role in maintaining the arch of the foot; hence, this structure is constantly under stress.

Achilles tendinitis, on the other hand, is due to injury of the Achilles tendon causing heel pain behind the foot. The Achilles tendon attaches behind the heel bone to the calf muscles above. Achilles tendinitis is particularly common among women who use improper foot wear such as high heels.

Heel Pain Symptoms

Typical pain for plantar fasciitis is felt when a person gets out of bed, taking their first steps in the morning. Usually, a stabbing sharp pain is felt at the bottom or front of the heel. This also holds true for Achilles tendinitis but pain is felt at the back of the heel.

The pain will diminish throughout the day as the tendons and muscles adjust and adapt to the swelling. Unfortunately, after periods of rest, the heel pain can return sharper and stronger. During rest, the ligaments of the foot will tighten and shorten. When we get up, the foot receives the full weight of our body and the sudden stretching of the ligaments is the cause of the stabbing pain.

The best way to treat any type of acute heel pain is the RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) method. If pain persists, it is very important to have your foot checked by a podiatrist.