What causes heel pain? Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that has also been referred to as ‘policeman’s heel’. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, or nerve irritation.
However, the most common cause is repetitive stress due to exercising too much or wearing shoes that aren’t designed for the exercise being undertaken.
What are the common causes?
There are several common causes of heel pain.
- Plantar Fasciitis – occurs when too much pressure on your feet damages the plantar fascia ligament, causing pain and stiffness.
- Sprains and Strains – these are injuries to the body, often resulting from physical activity. These injuries are common and can range from minor to severe, depending on the incident.
- Achilles tendonitis – this occurs when the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel becomes painful or inflamed due to overuse injuries.
- Bursitis – these are fluid-filled sacs found around your joints. They surround the areas where tendons, skin and muscle tissues meet bones.
How can heel pain be treated?
If you develop heel pain, you can try these methods to ease your discomfort:
- Rest as much as possible.
- Apply ice to the heel for 10 – 15 minutes twice daily.
- Take over-the-counter inflammatory medications.
- Wear shoes that fit properly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Carry out simple stretching exercises.
- Use shoe insoles to support your arch, cushion impact and reduce pain.
If these methods don’t ease your pain, you need to contact one of our clinics to arrange an appointment. We will examine your feet and talk to you about your symptoms and when they began. Once we have determined the cause of your heel pain, we will discuss the recommended treatment options with you to provide the appropriate treatment.
In the majority of cases, simple stretching exercises and shoe inserts help reduce your symptoms and prevent further injury.
What are the complications of heel pain?
Heel pain can be disabling and affect your daily movements. It may also change the way you walk. If this happens, you are more likely to lose your balance and fall, and be more prone to other injuries.
For further information contact us at our Beeston or Ilkeston clinics or book online