Heel pain is a prevalent issue. It is important to note that the heels support most of the body weight while walking or running and the muscles, bones, nerves and supporting structures in the foot can end up damaged.
What are the causes?
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spur
- Psoriasis
- Certain diseases such as arthritis, gout and bursitis
- Achilles tendon injury
The individual might experience heel pain from the following:
- Wearing high heels
For heel pain, the individual should change or stop activities that trigger heel pain until the foot has recuperated. - Excessive running, walking, jumping or stair-climbing
- Heel injury such as stepping on hard objects such as a rock or stone
- Lack of stretching before exercise
- Using footwear with hard soles or cleats or shoes that rub against the back part of the heel
- Gaining weight which places strain on the feet
What are the signs?
The heel might be painful while walking or placing weight on it. Discomfort is also triggered even while at rest.
The discomfort can be reduced after being up for a while and walking but might recur after it has been rested.
Management of heel pain
For heel pain, the individual should change or stop activities that trigger heel pain until the foot has recuperated.
The doctor will also suggest stretching and strengthening exercises to allow the injury to heal. The exercises strengthen the foot and stretch the tissues and tendons around the heel.
In some cases, a steroid shot is administered. Other treatment options might include electrical stimulation, ultrasound or hydrotherapy. The doctor will suggest padding beneath the heel, taping of the foot or shoe inserts to lessen the strain on the tissues.
Surgical intervention is rarely required for heel pain unless the individual sustained a fracture or severe arthritis. On the other hand, surgery will not always lessen the pain.
If treatment is started soon after the pain arises, the symptoms must settle after several weeks. If the heel pain has lasted for some time, it might take a longer time for the discomfort to settle.