The heel part of the foot is located on the back part, or the underside. It is what makes first contact with the ground or the insole of the shoe and is subjected to forces that are multiple times your weight.
Heel pain is a common complaint, and no matter the severity, it can be very annoying and limiting. Heel pain is the last thing you want to be feeling when you are on your feet, which is at most times of the day if you live an active or busy lifestyle.
Here, we are going to take a closer look at heel pain, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
What Causes Heel Pain?
The two most common conditions that cause heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by an inflamed plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The pain is typically felt under the heel or along the arch of the foot. It is often described as a stabbing or sharp pain that is worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis pain tends to improve with activity but may worsen after intense exercise.
Achilles tendonitis is characterized by the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The pain is usually experienced at the back of the heel, above the insertion point of the tendon. It can be described as an ache or stiffness that worsens with activity, especially during activities like running or jumping. Achilles tendonitis heel pain may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness.
While both conditions cause heel pain, they have different locations and mechanisms of injury. Plantar fasciitis primarily affects the bottom of the foot, whereas Achilles tendonitis affects the back of the heel.
How to Avoid Heel Pain?
A thorough review of your activity types and levels, form and technique during exercise or sports, as well as your footwear can help determine the underlying cause of your heel pain.
It could be any of the following:
- A sudden increase in intensity of activity
- Being on your feet for lengthy periods
- The wrong footwear or worn out shoes
- Biomechanical issues
- High arches or flat feet
- Muscle weakness
- Being overweight or obese
To avoid the problem of heel pain, here are some things you can do:
- Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning
- Avoiding walking or running on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt
- Stretching your calf and foot muscles regularly to loosen them up and prepare them for activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active but not overdoing it, which leads to fatigue
- Avoiding being sedentary, which leads to muscle stiffness and weakness
How is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
A foot and ankle doctor or podiatrist can expertly diagnose the cause of heel pain. They may determine what is causing it through a physical exam or through imaging tests for a closer inspection of the inner structures of the foot.
How is Heel Pain Treated?
How heel pain is treated depends on what brought on the symptom. Due to this, treatment plans are highly individualized to the patient for it to be effective.
Some of the most common features of a heel pain treatment plan are the following:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method)
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Evaluation of gait and form and technique during exercise and sport
- A change in footwear
- Custom orthotics
Surgery, in severe, chronic cases may be recommended to repair damaged tissue, remove inflamed tissue, or remove abnormal growths.
Heel Pain Treatment in Naples, FL
Dr. Cody Togher at the Joint Replacement Institute provides top-notch podiatry care in Naples for patients suffering from heel pain. It is just one of the many foot conditions Dr. Togher and the rest of the team treat in our world-class facility. Come see us, and we will make sure you receive the best treatments around. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Togher, call our office today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online request form.
