5 Common Causes of Heel Pain

17 Mar 5 Common Causes of Heel Pain

If you are experiencing heel pain and don’t remember injuring yourself recently, you are probably confused as to why you are experiencing such pain. And not knowing what’s causing your pain can be just as frustrating as the pain itself. There are several reasons why you could be experiencing mysterious heel pain and in this post, we will uncover five of the most common ones.

1. Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is caused when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a joint that stretches from the tip of your foot to your heel bone. And when this joint is overstretched, the tissue fibers in it become inflamed. People who are suffering from plantar fasciitis usually feel pain in the heel, underneath the foot, and in the middle of the foot. In most cases, people feel more pain in these areas after resting for long period of time. When plantar fasciitis occurs, it is important to get medical treatment to prevent the problem from worsening and causing more pain and function issues.
2. Heel Spur: Although heel spurs do not commonly cause much noticeable pain, in some circumstances they can become quite painful. They also typically occur when a person is also suffering from plantar fasciitis. A heel spur happens when there is a protrusion in the heel bone caused by a calcium deposit. Heel spurs can usually be treated with exercise, medication, or cortisone injections. In rare cases, surgery might be necessary.
3. Heel Bursitis: When the bursa (the back of the heel) becomes inflamed, this is known as heel bursitis. This is often caused by wearing uncomfortable footwear that offers poor support or by landing on the heel harshly. In some cases, you may notice swelling of the Achilles tendon. Pain often worsens throughout the day and can be felt in the back of the heel. The best way to let this condition heal is by resting the foot and icing the inflamed areas. If the pain does not get better, call a podiatry specialist to get properly diagnosed and provided with the right medication.
4. Stress Fracture: Stress fractures are common problems for people who over do it with their workouts and allow repetitive stress to affect the foot. Eventually, this strain will cause a fracture in the bone. If you are an active runner, you are more at risk for stress fractures. This bone fracture commonly causes pain in the heel as well. In some cases, people with osteoporosis can also suffer from stress fractures. The only way to know for sure if you are suffering from a stress fracture is by getting x-rays and a diagnosis from a podiatry specialist. Once you have the proper diagnosis, you can receive the right treatment to expedite the healing process and ensure that you can recover completely.
5. Heel Bumps: Heel bumps, also known as pump bumps, are a common problem for adolescents. Female teenagers who start hearing heels before their foot has completely developed are most at risk for developing this painful condition. When the heel bone is rubbed excessively before it has completely developed, it often causes an overgrowth of bone. People with flat feet could also experience heel pumps. In most causes, heel bumps can be avoided by wearing the proper footwear. If heel bumps have already started to develop, the best thing to do is switch footwear, and rest, ice, compress, and elevate the heel. In severe cases, medical attention or surgery might be required.

Looking for more information related to heel pain? Or do you have questions related to other foot and ankle conditions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!