Introduction
Heel pain is a common foot problem. When using the affected heel, it usually causes excruciating pain. Heel pain usually develops gradually and worsens over time. The pain is frequently excruciating and occurs when you put weight on your heel.
Most people only have pain in one heel, but estimates suggest that one-third of people have pain in both heels. The pain is usually worse first thing in the morning or when you take your first step after being inactive for a while. Walking usually relieves the pain, but it often worsens after a long period of walking or standing. As a result of avoiding placing weight on the affected heel, some people may limp or develop an abnormal walking style.
What exactly causes heel pain?
The plantar fascia, a band of tissue in the foot, becomes damaged and thickens in most cases of heel pain. The medical term for the thickening of the plantar fascia is plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fascia
The plantar fascia is a tough and flexible band of tissue that runs beneath the foot’s sole. It connects the heel bone to the foot bones and acts as a shock absorber for the foot. Damage that occurs suddenly or gradually over months or years can cause tiny tears (microtears) to form inside the plantar fascia tissue. The plantar fascia may thicken as a result, causing heel pain.
Inflammation can also occur in the surrounding tissue and the heel bone.
Learn more about the various causes of heel pain.
When should you see your doctor?
If you’ve had persistent heel pain for a few weeks and it hasn’t gone away, see your doctor or a podiatrist (foot problems specialist).
By asking about your symptoms and medical history, as well as examining your heel and foot, they should be able to determine the source of your heel pain.
Additional tests are usually only required if you have additional symptoms that indicate the cause of your heel pain isn’t inflammation, such as:
Numbness or tingling in your foot, which could indicate nerve damage in your feet and legs (peripheral neuropathy) Your foot is hot, and you have a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, which could indicate a bone infection.
Your heel is stiff and swollen, which may indicate arthritis.
Blood tests, X-rays, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or an ultrasound scan may be recommended as additional tests.
Who suffers from heel pain?
Heel pain is a common foot and ankle problem. One out of every ten people will experience heel pain at some point in their lives.
People who regularly run or jog, as well as older adults, The two main age groups affected by heel pain, are those aged 40-60.
Heel Pain Treatment
There are several treatments available to help relieve heel pain and hasten recovery. These are some examples:
In about one out of every twenty cases, the above treatments are insufficient, and surgery may be required to release the plantar fascia.
Learn more about how to treat heel pain.
How to Avoid Heel Pain
Being overweight can put extra strain and pressure on your feet, especially your heels. Losing and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet can be beneficial to your feet.
It is also critical to wear appropriate footwear. Shoes with a low to moderate heel that supports and cushions your arches and heels are ideal. Wearing shoes with no heels is not recommended.
Causes
The most common cause of heel pain, accounting for roughly four out of every five cases, is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the rest of the foot, becomes damaged and thickened.
The following are thought to cause plantar fascia damage: sudden damage – for example, damaging your heel while jogging, running, or dancing; this type of damage typically affects younger people who are physically active; gradual wear and tear of the tissues that comprise the plantar fascia – this typically affects adults aged 40 and up.
The following are some less common causes of heel pain.
Fractures due to stress
A stress fracture (bone crack) can occur if your heel bone is damaged as a result of repeated stress over time.
Atrophy of the fat pads
Fat pad atrophy occurs when the layer of fat beneath the heel bone, known as the fat pad, begins to deteriorate as a result of excessive strain.
Women who have worn high-heeled shoes for a long time are more likely to develop fat pad atrophy.
Treatment
Stretching and medications are frequently used with other methods of treatment for heel pain in order to reduce discomfort and hasten to heal.
If your heel discomfort has persisted for more than a few weeks and hasn’t subsided, consult your doctor or another appropriately licensed healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist warren. They will be able to identify the issue and provide you with detailed guidance regarding an appropriate fitness regimen.
Most occurrences of heel pain resolve within a year. If your symptoms persist after this period of time, surgery can be suggested as a final option. Only one in twenty individuals with heel pain will require foot and ankle surgery, Warren.
