This is one of the prevalent problems of the foot. Heel pain is characterized by pains underneath the heel or just behind it, at the point where the Achilles tendon connects with the heel bone. At times heel pain may affect the side of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is widely known as the most common cause of heel pain. However, the pain that occurs under the heel is known as plantar fasciitis.
The pain that appears behind the heel is referred to as Achilles tendonitis. The inner or outer side of the heel and foot can also be affected with the pain. In most cases, pain does not occur as a result of an injury. Initially, the pain is usually mild, but as time goes on, the pain can become serious and sometimes leading to disability. Without treatment, the pain can disappear on its own, but sometimes it can persist and become chronic.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain occurs as a result of several injuries such as a twist or fall, but by recurring stress and hitting the heel. Below are common causes of heel pain:
1. Plantar fasciitis: this is also known as the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a powerful ligament which runs from the calcaneum (heel bone) down to the tip of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes stretched too far, its soft tissue fibers become inflamed. This often occurs where it is connected to the heel bone, but sometimes the middle of the foot is affected. You feel the pain beneath your foot, mostly after resting for a long period of time.
2. Sprains and strains: these are injuries that affect the body and usually occur from physical activity. These injuries have been found to be prevalent and can either be minor or severe depending on how it occurs.
3. Heel bursitis: Inflammation can occur on the back of the heel, in a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac. This can be a result of landing inconveniently or hard on the heels of pressure from shoes. Pain can either be felt deep in the inner part of the heel or at the back of the heel. At times the Achilles tendon can swell. The pain usually gets worse over time.
4. Bursitis: The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac which is found around the joints. The bursae surround the areas where the tendon, skin, and muscle tissue meet the bones.
5. Sever’s disease. This is the most common causes of heel pain in children between the age ranges of eight to sixteen years. Sever's disease stems from the stress placed on the growth plate of the heel bone. When running and jumping is considered to be excessive, it results in inflammation of the growth plate which leads to pain.
Symptoms of Heel Pain
Heel pain usually begins gradually and becomes more severe as time goes on. Often, the affected area shows no sign of injury. Putting on a flat foot can aggravate the situation. Flat shoes can stretch the plantar fascia until the affected area becomes swollen or inflamed.
Pain can be serious; however, if there is a tear. An affected individual can notice a popping sound at the time of injury and the pain will be immediate. Usually, heel pain is felt below the foot, towards the front of the heel. Symptoms can only worsen after leaving the bed in the morning and after taking some rest during the day and then improve with little activity. The pain can become worsen again towards the end of the day.
Heel Pain Treatment
Treatment for Heel Pain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your foot. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your foot to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
