What Causes Heel Pain?

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Heel pain is one of the most common reasons for chronic pain in adults and children. It can be caused by many factors including wearing shoes that are too tight. Chronic pain is also a result of gout, obesity, injury, and arthritis. Running can also create pain in the heels because of the amount of stress it puts on them.

There are a variety of conditions that can inflict pain underneath the heel or behind it, including Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendon rupture, Bursitis (joint inflammation), Heel spurs, Paget’s disease, Bone tumors, Haglund’s deformities, and Osteomyelitis (bone infection).

Medical professionals can determine the exact reasons for your heel pain so that you can begin the appropriate treatment.

What is Heel Pain?

The arch and heel bone of the foot is often the source of heel pain.

For example, plantar fasciitis symptoms can be felt on the bottom of the foot or on the heel bone itself. Touching or pressing that area can also cause pain. Standing or walking for a long time can aggravate the pain as well. Usually, Achilles tendonitis is felt in both heels, but it may only be felt when pressing on one side of the heel bone.

On the other hand, bursitis, Haglund’s deformity, and Sever’s disease can be felt in the heel.

Heel pain can be caused by many conditions, but all of them are made worse by not following a medical treatment plan and wearing the wrong footwear.

What Causes Heel Pain?

Several factors can cause heel pain, such as:

* Inflammation of the tissues around the heel bone.

* An overuse or injury can result in inflammation of a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot

* Overstretching can lead to tight calf muscles or Achilles tendonitis

* Formation of a bunion, which is an enlargement of the joints at the base of your big toe, causing your toes to press outwards, causing pressure on your feet.

How to Treat Heel Pain?

Heel pain can be inflicted by stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome, and Achilles tendonitis. Pain relievers, injections, and orthotic devices are nonsurgical treatments for heel pain. Most heel conditions do not require surgery.

The treatment depends on the condition. If, for example, you have plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by pain in the heel and arch of the foot caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia–which is the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes– your podiatrist may recommend the following treatment plan:

* When you rest, apply ice packs to the injured area and then protect your heels with heel pads.

* When you sit or lie down, elevate your feet as much as possible.

* When you walk or run, stretch your calves, hamstrings, and Achilles tendon. Also, wear supportive shoes that have good arch support

The Best Ways to Prevent & Treat Heel Pain

Overuse and tight muscles give rise to heel pain. By keeping your feet flexible, wearing supportive shoes recommended by your doctor, and walking a few miles a day, you can prevent painful foot conditions.

Request an Appointment

Country Foot Care provides a wide range of holistic, conservative treatment options to patients with foot or ankle disorders. Our doctors have many years of experience and training, which allows them to help you with a wide range of treatment options. We have a full line of products to enhance your custom treatment plan. We offer a variety of treatments at our clinic, including Medical Foot Spas, Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and Vascular Testing. To schedule an appointment, please call 516-741-FEET or fill out our online appointment request form. Our offices are located at 155 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY 11501 and 479 Willis Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596.

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