Understanding Heel Pain | Causes And Treatments

Do you experience pain in the heel of your foot when walking? You may be suffering from heel pain, a common problem affecting many people. Here's a closer look at the most common causes of heel pain and the treatment options available to help relieve the pain.

What Causes Heel Pain?

There are many issues that can cause heel pain, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The Cleveland Clinic explains that the "plantar fascia connects the bones in your foot together and forms the arch on the bottom of your foot." When you overuse your feet or put repetitive stress on them, such as running or standing for long periods, the plantar fascia can become inflamed.
• Heel Spur. Another possible cause of heel pain is a heel spur. The Mayo Clinic states that heel spurs are "bony projections that develop along bone edges," like the bottom of your heel. They can develop over time due to the constant pulling of the plantar fascia on the heel bone. Symptoms of a heel spur include sharp pain in the heel, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
• Achilles Tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is another condition that can cause heel pain. This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscles, becomes inflamed. Like other forms of tendonitis, it is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, in this case, from running or jumping.
• Stress Fractures. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the foot that can cause heel pain. Like a broken bone, it is extremely painful, and the best course of action is rest and immobilization.

How Do You Treat Heel Pain?

Your podiatrist has several options when treating your heel pain, including:

• Stretching exercises. Stretching exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve flexibility.
• Anti-inflammatory medications. These over-the-counter medications help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
• Cortisone injections. If over-the-counter options do not bring relief, your podiatrist may opt for regular cortisone injections in your heel to reduce inflammation and help relieve pain.
• Physical therapy. A series of physical therapy visits can help improve strength and flexibility in the muscles and ligaments of your foot.
• Orthotics. Sometimes called cookies, orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that cushion and support your feet.
• Surgery. Surgery may be recommended in certain cases to repair or remove damaged tissue, bones, or ligaments that are not responding to other treatment options.

No matter the cause of your heel pain, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage.

Heel pain can be a frustrating and (obviously) painful problem, but there are many different heel pain treatment options available. If you experience heel pain, it's essential to see your podiatrist to determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that works for you. With the right treatment, you can reduce your pain and get back to doing the things you love.