When patients step into our office, often times they are complaining of heel pain. A sore heel can sometimes be remedied by rest, orthotics or even stretching. However, more often than not, if the heel pain is ignored it can become a chronic problem or a longer recovery. The good news is, heel pain rarely requires surgery.
Here are the three most common reasons for heel pain:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, described as the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. The band acts as a shock absorber during intense exercise. When damaged from over use or poor shoes, this can cause great pain in the heel.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone. When viewed on an X-ray, a typical heel spur can extend out up to half an inch. A heel spur can cause great pain in the surrounding tissue and area. Common symptoms are sharp, intense pain in the heel, especially during exercise. Heel spurs are most common following a foot injury, when an excessive amount of calcium builds in the heel. Heel spurs are often found in athletes such as dancers, soccer players, and runners from over use of the feet.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis comes from overuse or a sudden increase in workload on the feet. Commonly found in runners, Achilles Tendonitis is also found in any athlete that spends adequate time on their feet. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel. Most common symptoms are sharp pains through the heel, stiffness in the heel and ankle and sometimes swelling. If it’s not treated correctly the Achilles tendon may rupture. It’s important to rest and get proper treatment as soon as symptoms occur.
If you find yourself dealing with heel pain, don’t let the pain linger and turn into a much bigger, often invasive issue. When symptoms are caught and dealt with on time, there is a great chance with a little rehabilitation and rest your foot problems can be fixed. Call our office, Podiatry Associates of Florida, San Jose Boulevard Division and schedule an appointment with Dr. Herbst.