About Heel Pain
Pain in the heels is a common condition in which when weight-bearing, such as just standing with your heel to the ground causes extreme discomfort.
What Causes Heel Pain?
it is a common occurrence and in most cases, the pain is caused by some form of mechanical trauma caused by small repetitive injuries that occur at a rate faster than the body can heal them.
It can also be caused by lower back problems or inflammatory joint conditions.
There are two different categories of pain in the heel. The first is caused by overuse and repetitive stress which refers to a soreness resulting from too much impact on a specific area of the foot. This condition, often referred to as “heel pain syndrome”, can be caused by shoes with heels that are too low, a thinned out fat pad in the heel area, or from a sudden increase in activity. Plantar fasciitis, a very common diagnosis of heel pain, is usually caused by a biomechanical problem, such as over-pronation (fallen arches and subsequent twisting of the foot).
Treatment and Prevention
If you experience sore heels, some simple self-care measures include:
• Avoid wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes
• Wear shoes with good heel cushioning and effective arch support
• Avoid walking or exercising on hard ground
• Rest regularly and try not to walk or run excessively
• Wear a raised heel (no more than 6-10 mm higher than normal)
• Losing weight if you are overweight
To properly treat pain in the heel, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate the heel to transfer pressure.
Footwear selection is also an important criteria when treating sore heels. Shoes with a firm heel counter, good arch support, and appropriate heel height are the ideal choice.