Arthritis:
Fast Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment for Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common joint issues faced by a diverse range of age groups. Your Heel consists of a padded and cushioned fatty tissue that holds your feet in place and maintains its shape. It also helps in body movement and balancing the weight of your body. Thus, any injury in your heel can disturb your entire body movement and cause severe hindrance in your daily routine.
Who Is Most At Risk ?
Although, anyone can become a victim of heel pain there are some specific groups of people who are always at an increased risk of heel pain. These people are:
- Physically active people
- Pregnant women
- Overweight individuals
- People who spend their time standing on their feet for long time periods
- Children (mostly boys) who are eight to thirteen years old
Common Causes Heel Pain ?
There are 33 joints, 100 tendons and 26 bones in your ankle and foot. Among the largest bone in the foot is the heel, and any injury on your heel can cause excessive pain in the entire foot.
Heel pain is not usually caused by one injury, like a twist or fall, but from repeated stress and pounding of the heel.
Often the soft tissue becomes inflamed because of ill-fitting shoes, a running injury, gait, specific diseases, or obesity.
There are many conditions causing heel pain, and our experienced podiatrists can help solve them for you.
The most common include:-
End Your Suffering – Contact Liverpool Heel & Foot Doctor
Plantar Fasciitis
About Plantar Faciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. It is also referred to as heel spur syndrome sometimes. It happens due to inflammation of a part of feet was the band of tissue (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. This pain starts from the heel and reaches up to the toes. The common cause of this condition is the faulty structure of the foot. People who have complications with the arches of their feet due to any issue such as high-arched feet or flat feet are the common victims of this condition.
Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is when an abnormal strain is put on the feet right at the plantar fasciitis (the band of tissue on the feet) or wearing hard footwear with no support. People who are in such jobs where long-standing hours ae required are also more prone to developing heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Moreover, obesity also contributes to this condition
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Following are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
- Severe pain or discomfort at the bottom of the heel
- Pain and burning sensation in the arch of the foot
- Worse pain upon arising
- Pain that constantly increases over time
- Severe swelling at the bottom of the feet
Plantar Fasciitis Is Best Treated Early!
Sever’s Disease
What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease refers to a bone injury where the lower back of your foot (your heel) is affected and becomes inflamed and causes severe pain. It is most common in kids where the heel bone grows much faster than the adjoining muscles and consequently, it causes excessive pain.
Prevention & Treatment For Heel Pain
Treatment To Try At Home
There are many surgical and non-surgical treatments of heel pain available. For surgical treatment, it is best to consult your podiatrist. However, if you have a mild pain then you can follow these first-line strategies at home:
- You can try out stretching exercises at home. Stretching the calf muscles can ease pain and also helps in speedy recovery.
- Keep in mind that going around barefoot is also one of the main causes of heel.
- Cold compressions are universal pain relievers and heel pain is no exception. It is helpful to put an ice pack on your feet. To do that, put a towel on your feet and place ice cubes on the towel. Leave it like this for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to apply it directly on your feet.
- It is also important to limit the sports activities and all other harsh physical activities or the condition can become serious.
- You should also take as much rest as possible.
- Over-the-counter pain medications can assist with pain relief.
- Don’t forget to wear a night splint before sleeping to stretch your feet.
- Wear shoes that are according to the exact size of your feet.
- For any physical activity, opt for specialized shoes.
- Before exercising, always stretch your muscles.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- If a diabetic get regular checks.
It is not possible to prevent every cause of heel pain, and if the above measures fare not working seek medical guidance.
Where To Get Help
HealthPoint Podiatry specialise in lower limb, feet, heel and ankle issues & no referral is required
