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What Is Heel Pain
- The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest and strongest bone of the foot, however it is not immune to problems.
- Pain in the heels can present in the bottom, front or back of the heel.
- Pain in the heels is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis (for this reason we will focus on this condition below).
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue on the bottom aspect of the foot as a result of tear / stretch of the fascia along its length (heels to the ball of the foot).
Causes
Typically caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the plantar fascia. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
Symptoms
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or arch of the foot, particularly when standing up after periods of rest. The pain may also be worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of activity. Other symptoms may include:
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If any of the following symptoms above are present and it limits your normal daily activities, contact your foot specialist.
Treatment options / What to expect
- Physical examination of the lower limbs.
- Custom Made Orthotics
- Physical therapy (Laser / Ultrasound treatment)
- Prescription of topical or oral medications to ease pain
- Implementing stretching / strengthening programs once acute symptoms are treated
- Steroid injections
- Surgical intervention (rarely necessary)
Prevention
- Wear shoes that accommodate your foot well.
- Stretch before and after exercising
- Practice good nutrition and rest
- Exercise and lose excessive weight
- The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest and strongest bone of the foot, however it is not immune to problems.
- Pain in the heels can present in the bottom, front or back of the heel.
- Pain in the heels is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis (for this reason we will focus on this condition below).
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue on the bottom aspect of the foot as a result of tear / stretch of the fascia along its length (heels to the ball of the foot).
Causes
Typically caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the plantar fascia. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Running or other high-impact activities
- Walking or standing for long periods of time
- Wearing shoes that don't provide adequate support or cushioning
- Having flat feet or high arches
- Tightness in the calf muscles or Achilles tendon
Symptoms
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or arch of the foot, particularly when standing up after periods of rest. The pain may also be worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of activity. Other symptoms may include:
- Stiffness or tenderness in the foot
- Swelling or redness in the heel
- Difficulty flexing the foot or toes
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If any of the following symptoms above are present and it limits your normal daily activities, contact your foot specialist.
- Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on a physical exam and medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment options / What to expect
- Physical examination of the lower limbs.
- Custom Made Orthotics
- Physical therapy (Laser / Ultrasound treatment)
- Prescription of topical or oral medications to ease pain
- Implementing stretching / strengthening programs once acute symptoms are treated
- Steroid injections
- Surgical intervention (rarely necessary)
Prevention
- Wear shoes that accommodate your foot well.
- Stretch before and after exercising
- Practice good nutrition and rest
- Exercise and lose excessive weight