Our feet take on a lot of stress. They support our body weight while standing, walking, and exercising. We tend to take our feet for granted and, as a result, end up with heel pain. Heel pain is widespread among adults, seniors, and even children, but it is important to note that heel pain is never normal.
Heel pain can be caused by many factors, including improper footwear, abnormal foot structure, activity level, and more. It is essential to seek out professional help if you experience pain in your heels. It's always the right time to take care of your feet, but life tends to slow down in the wintertime, and less activity means it's the perfect time to come up with a care plan and get on your way to being more active. With less pain!
5 Leading Causes of Heel Pain
- The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. This condition affects the thick band of connective tissue which runs along the bottom of the foot, aptly named the plantar fascia. Overuse can cause tears in the fascia, leading to pain in the heel. Plantar fasciitis can be prevented by stretching, wearing proper shoes in your daily life and while exercising, and using high-quality over-the-counter or custom orthotics.
- Achilles Tendonitis is another common condition that can lead to pain in the heels. The Achilles tendon, named after the great hero of Greek mythology, is a large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, allowing the foot to flex. Intense physical activity can cause the Achilles to become inflamed. Avoid pain and inflammation by stretching, increasing activity levels gradually rather than abruptly, and be sure to seek treatment if the pain is persistent.
- The leading cause of heel pain for children and adolescents is Sever's disease. This condition occurs when the heel bone develops before the Achilles tendon matures. This unbalanced development causes pulling at the back of the heel. Ensure your child is wearing properly fitted footwear, and encourage them to stretch before exercising to help set them up for less heel pain and more fun in the future.
- Heel Spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis. These calcium deposits cause bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone. X-rays are usually needed to diagnose a spur. As we've stated above, a well-fitted pair of shoes can go a long way in the fight against heel pain. Ensuring that your shoes are in good condition without wearing heels and soles can keep your feet happy and healthy.
- Did you know there are over 30 joints in each foot? Where there are joints, there is the potential for Arthritis. Arthritis is described as an inflammation of the joints. Reducing the risk of developing arthritis involves proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking or drinking heavily. If you think you may have arthritis, discuss your options with a health care provider.
What if I Already Have Heel Pain?
Heel pain is bothersome and uncomfortable. While there are ways to prevent the conditions leading to heel pain, professional treatment is sometimes necessary. Advanced therapies like laser therapy, EPAT, and custom orthotics are known to heal your pain with the most up-to-date technology. We can also provide you with a referral for physical therapy, in-depth stretching instructions, shoe recommendations, and more!
Learn More about Laser Therapy
Staying Informed
Another critical aspect of treating any condition is being informed of the symptoms, the causes, and the treatment options. We will provide you with a folder outlining your condition and the treatments available to you at your visit. You are the patient, and it is our job to get you taken care of. We strongly believe that keeping our patients informed and involved in their care produces happier patients and more positive outcomes. An open line of doctor-patient communication is almost as essential to treat your pain as stretching or wearing supportive shoes.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you've never heard it before, let me be the first to say this: you do not have to live with heel pain. If you waited weeks, months, or even years to seek treatment, we can help. Heel pain is not normal, and you do not deserve to miss out on the fun activities rendered impossible by pain. Give us a call or text us at 989-695-6788 to discuss your options and schedule a consultation today to get back on your feet and back to life. You can also fill out our handy online contact form, and a friendly team member will get back to you promptly.
