One in every ten people will experience one or more episodes of heel pain, with individuals aged 40-60 being particularly susceptible to the problem, according to the NHS. That’s a sobering thought.
Sometimes the reason your heel hurts will be obvious. You’ve got a splinter from a floorboard or stepped on a stray Lego brick, for instance. But often the pain seems to come out of nowhere. If you’re puzzling over why your heel hurts, read on for some possible answers.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (the plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of things, including wearing shoes that don’t offer enough support, being overweight, and having tight calf muscles. The condition is often worse in the morning because the plantar fascia becomes tighter overnight while you sleep. Treatment options include stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
Heel Spurs
Another potential cause of heel pain is heel spurs, which are bony growths that form on the heel bone. Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis but not everyone who has plantar fasciitis will develop heel spurs and not everyone who has heel spurs will experience pain. If you do have pain from heel spurs, it’s usually because the spur is rubbing against another bone or tissue, such as a tendon or ligament. Treatment typically involves wearing supportive shoes and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments don’t provide relief.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it runs from your calf muscle down to your heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of this tendon, and it can be caused by overuse (for example, if you’re a runner) or poorly fitting shoes (if your shoes rub against the back of your ankle, you may develop Achilles tendonitis). Treatment involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy may also be helpful. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
There are many possible causes of heel pain but fortunately, there are also many effective treatments. If you’re experiencing heel pain, we, here at The Footwork Clinic can help you determine what might be causing it and what treatment options are available to you. With proper diagnosis and treatment, our clients have been able to relieve their heel pain and enjoy their daily activities.
