If you’ve ever had nagging heel pain, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common areas for people to experience pain. But what is causing that pain? And more importantly, how do you make it go away?
Every day, you put a lot of mileage on your feet. Therefore, it is not unusual to experience aches and pains occasionally. On the other hand, something else may happen if the pain is intermittent or lingers for an extended period. And if there’s one thing that every type of heel pain has in common, it’s this: it’s a warning that your heal needs treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the five leading heel pain causes and how to fix them. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Main Causes of Heel Pain
There are different reasons why you may be experiencing heel pain. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Other signs and symptoms that you need heel pain treatment are conditions like Achilles tendonitis, Haglund’s Deformity, Heel bursitis, and Heel Fracture.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the sole of your foot and attaches to your heel, causes plantar fasciitis. This condition is typically brought on by making the same move over and over again or by doing anything that puts a great deal of pressure on the arch of your foot. Damage to the plantar fascia can also result in the condition.
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis might become worse at any time. It’s not uncommon to experience heel pain either during or after exercise, mainly if you’ve been on your feet for an extended time. You will likely feel a sharp stabbing pain in the arch of your foot or the bottom of your heel if your heels hurt after walking or engaging in other exercise forms. These are warning signs that the plantar fascia has been irritated or injured due to overuse and that it most likely needs some rest and attention.
Heel pain that persists after extended rest periods is one of the most typical indicators of plantar fasciitis. While lying in bed in the morning, your feet’s muscles could feel tense. Then, the worst shooting, stabbing pain strikes as soon as your foot touches the ground. Why does this occur, then? Why is morning heel pain worse?
The plantar fascia ligament becomes tense when you’re sleeping because of how you rest your feet in bed. The good news is that your foot is likely healing, thanks to the rest. The tissue will spread out and feel better as you stand up and move about a little.
A podiatrist, a medical professional who focuses on foot and ankle diseases, can formally diagnose plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, there are excellent at-home remedies for treating and controlling pain caused by plantar fasciitis. These include buying custom orthotics, receiving heat and cold therapy, and performing specific stretches and exercises.
Another thing that might be useful in keeping your feet covered, even at home. Your feet are put under more stress while you are barefoot. Put on supportive slippers or shoes as a substitute.
A podiatrist could advise a cortisone injection if your heel discomfort worsens or interferes with regular activities. Surgery may be possible if conservative therapy has failed in more difficult situations.
2. Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis may be to blame if you routinely feel discomfort above your heel or at the rear of your ankle both during and after exercise. This ailment develops when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse or a significant increase in exercise frequency or intensity. This ailment is prevalent, particularly among runners.
You’ll most likely have a light pain that worsens as you continue to work out. After a lot of relaxation or working out, you could feel sore or stiff. However, the pain typically starts to subside with light exercise or stretching during the day.
Like other overuse problems, Achilles tendonitis is typically best treated with rest and avoiding or limiting strenuous activity. But there’s a chance you might require surgery if you have minor rips in your Achilles tendon.
Take our free diagnosis today with our podiatrist, who will make a formal diagnosis if you believe you have Achilles tendinitis. Additionally, they may suggest physical therapy and wraps, braces, or splints lessen stress and promote tendon healing.
3. Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s Deformity patients have a bony growth on the back of their heel. But rigid-back shoes, such as ice skates and men’s dress shoes, might aggravate the heel’s back. Because Haglund’s deformity can be particularly common in those who wear high heels, it is also referred to as the “pump bump.”
Other than the uncomfortable bump, Haglund’s malformation causes:
- When your Achilles tendon connects to your heel, the rear of your heel is painful.
- Swelling in the heel’s back
- Redness and swelling of the skin on the back of your heel
Investing in supportive shoes with soft insoles is one of the best things you can do to ease the pain. Icing your heel and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can also be beneficial. But it’s also a good idea to schedule a visit with a podiatrist, mainly since Haglund’s deformity can result in bursitis, a painful ailment.
4. Heel Bursitis
Another cause of pain in the back of your heel is heel bursitis. A bursa is a tiny sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates places where tissues rub against one another. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa. All around your body, in and on the joints that are susceptible to rubbing and pressure, are bursae. There are two varieties of heel bursitis, which differ where particular fluid pockets are found.
- Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Just above where the Achilles tendon connects with the heel bone, the retrocalcaneal bursa is situated between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This kind of bursitis develops once the bursa is repeatedly irritated and is linked to Achilles tendinitis and Haglund’s deformity. You may have this bursitis if you experience extreme pain and swelling where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. Additionally, it frequently affects people with posterior calcaneal bone spurs, which may require surgical removal to relieve heel pain.
- Subcalcaneal bursitis
The calcaneal bursa is situated at the back of the heel, between the skin and the Achilles tendon. Haglund’s deformity is frequently associated with calcaneal bursitis, typically resulting from wearing shoes that are too tight and dig into the back of the heel. The most vulnerable groups for this form of inflammation are women who wear high heels or athletes who wear shoes that don’t fit properly. You may have calcaneal bursitis if you experience heel discomfort, redness, and swelling, making it difficult to put on your shoes.
5. Heel fracture
It’s also possible to fracture the calcaneus, a big bone in your heel. Sometimes, after a traumatic occurrence, this occurs suddenly. Other times, usage causes a heel fracture to form more gradually. You’ll likely be able to tell if you fracture your heel by the sharp pain you get in your heel, such as after a fall, a jump from a large height, or a car accident. The doctor will perform a physical examination, order X-rays to diagnose your ailment, and select the type of heel pain treatment you require based on the serious issue.
Say Goodbye to Heel Pain With NetStep Custom Orthotics
If you’re one of the many people suffering from heel pain, know that you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is help. NetStep Custom Orthotics can provide heel pain relief and healing for your aching heels. We have years of experience creating custom orthotics and can help you too. Contact us at (888) 718-3957 today to get started on your path to healthier feet! Say goodbye to heel pain and hello to the freedom to walk without discomfort.