Common Cause Of Foot Pain

Our feet are probably the most abused parts of the body. We use our feet the moment we get out of bed, it bears the weight of the whole body and imagine the tremendous stress we put on our feet when we run or lift heavy loads.  

It is no wonder why we experience foot pain every now and then. But if foot pain does not go away in a few days, you may have a foot condition that’s causing all your pain.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of chronic heel pain. The plantar fascia is a very strong connective tissue that attaches to the calcaneous bone or heel bone to the metatarsal bones, and is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot. Usually, the plantar fascia gets micro injuries when using the wrong footwear, lifting heavy weights, sports and due to old age.

Another common cause of foot pain is Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is also a very strong ligament, just like the plantar fascia. This time, the Achilles tendon is found behind the foot, and it attaches behind the heel bone to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles above. Just like the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon can also suffer from micro injuries which causes a lot of pain.

One way to manage foot pain is to do the RICE method. 

Rest. Allowing the foot to rest is very important to stop further injuries to the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. This will allow the micro injuries to heal.

Ice. Applying cold stimuli to the foot can relieve pain and inflammation. Do this in 2-3 minute intervals, too much isn’t good too, because it can actually aggravate the pain.

Compression. Wrapping the affected foot with an elastic bandage is a good way reduce swelling, it is also good in immobilizing the foot. Remember not to wrap the bandage too tight.

Elevate. Elevating the foot above the heart is an excellent way to alleviate swelling of the foot. This prevents any “pooling” on the affected foot.

Plantar Fasciitis: A Common Cause Of Heel Pain

One of the common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is due to an inflamed ligament called the plantar fascia. 

The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue that attaches to the calcaneus bone or heel bone to the toes of the foot. The plantar fascia is very important because it maintains the arch of the foot.

When the plantar fascia undergoes tremendous stress, especially among athletes, microscopic injuries can occur anywhere in the planter fascia. This small injuries can get irritated and can cause can cause swelling and pain.

Typical Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is common among athletes like runners, basketball players, those who play football or baseball, and anything that requires the use of the foot. This is due to the enormous physical demand needed in these sports which usually put a lot of strain on the feet causing injury to the plantar fascia.

Another cause of plantar fasciitis is if you have weak foot ligaments. You don’t have to be an athlete to have plantar fasciitis. If your plantar fascia is weak, then this will get injured easily. Also, plantar fasciitis is common among the elderly due to natural wear and tear of the ligaments.

Also, wearing the wrong footwear can lead to plantar fasciitis. If your shoe is too small or large, wearing high heels, shoes that are too soft and don’t provide arch support, all of these factors can cause foot pain due to plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is severe pain below the heel when you take your first step out of bed in the morning, or when your get out of the car after a long drive. But the pain gradually reduces after a few steps; however, pain can still recur during the day.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose this condition is to visit a foot specialist or podiatrist. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be similar to other foot conditions, so it is important to accurately diagnose the condition to provide the right medical treatment.

Two Common Causes Of Heel Pain

We may not know it, but our foot is constantly under tremendous amounts of pressure when we walk, run,  lift weights - anything involving the use of the foot. We only notice this when our foot gets injured, which really involves a lot of foot pain. A little bit of pressure can sometimes make you jump back to your seat.

One of the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous strand of connective tissue that attaches below the calcaneus bone or heel bone to the metatarsals of the foot. This strong connective tissue is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot, which means the plantar fascia is constantly under pressure during activities involving the use of the foot.  This is the reason why the plantar fascia is commonly injured. Pain in plantar fasciitis involves the lower foot, especially in the first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time.

Another common cause of heel pain involves the injury of the Achilles tendon which is called Achilles tendinitis. The achiles tendon is found at the back of the foot, it also attaches the heel bone to the calf muscles above. Though this injury is common among athletes, a lot of women get Achilles tendinitis because of prolonged use of high heels. High heels, which keeps your foot at a tiptoe position shortens the Achilles tendon. When the heels are taken off, the Achilles tendon stretches more than usual causing injuries like a tear. Pain in Achilles tendinitis usually starts as a mild discomforting sensation that can gradually worsen. A ruptured tendon involves severe abrupt pain.

Both of these heel pain conditions can be treated by using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) method. Resting is very important in treating any injury of the foot. This allows the tears or injuries to heal. Ice or cold compress decreases any swelling which help accelerate healing. Elevating the injured foot above the heart can also relieve foot swelling; this prevents pooling of fluids to the foot.

If pain persists better seek medical attention and call a podiatrist or foot specialist.