Every year, almost 2 million Americans suffer from heel discomfort. People of all ages and genders are affected by the issue. Injury, overuse, and medical disorders such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis can all contribute to it. In this post, we will go over some facts about heel discomfort that you should be aware of.
Causes
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the sole of your foot from the heel to the toe bones. Plantar fasciitis affects up to 10% of the population! Heel pain is commonly caused by a biomechanical condition such as arch height, recurring heel stress or impact, or Achilles tendinitis. Arthritis or bursitis can also cause heel discomfort.
Symptoms
The symptoms of heel pain vary based on the source. Aside from pain, you may also experience:
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Discoloration (bruising or redness).
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Stiffness.
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Swelling.
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Tenderness.
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Pain after rising from a seated or resting position.
Diagnosis
Your symptoms will be evaluated and a physical exam will be performed by your healthcare practitioner. X-rays may be taken to look for arthritis, bone fractures, bone alignment, and joint damage.
Risk factors
Anything that places a lot of strain and pressure on your foot might trigger heel discomfort. The manner you walk (foot mechanics) and the form of your foot (foot structure) are other considerations.
If you are overweight, you are more likely to experience heel pain. (have obesity).
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Have arthritis in your feet and ankles, flat feet, or high foot arches.
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Run or jump a lot as part of a sport or for exercise.
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Stand for long periods of time, especially on concrete floors.
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Wear shoes that are ill-fitting and/or lack arch support and/or cushion.
Prevention
Plantar fasciitis can be prevented by making a simple lifestyle modifications. Lose weight if you are overweight to relieve pressure on your feet. Instead of wearing high heels, opt for solid shoes with sufficient support. Instead of running, try low-impact exercises like swimming or biking. Stretch your calves and the bottoms of your feet on a regular basis. Even sleeping with your bedsheet untucked allows your feet to stretch out during the night!
Treatment
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Heel spurs may be a cause of heel pain.
Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone that can be painful. They are frequently related with plantar fasciitis and can aggravate heel discomfort. However, not everyone who has heel spurs feels pain, and not everyone who has heel discomfort has heel spurs.
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Heel discomfort is treatable
There are several heel pain treatments available, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Treatment options include rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, and medication. In some cases, surgery may be required.
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Rest is essential for treating heel pain.
Rest is essential in the treatment of heel pain. It lets the injured area to heal while also helping to avoid additional injury. Running and jumping are two activities that should be avoided because they worsen the pain.
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Stretching can help alleviate heel pain.
Stretching helps alleviate heel pain and increase flexibility. Calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, and Achilles tendon stretches are examples of stretching exercises. A physical therapist can assist you in developing a stretching regimen that is specific to your needs.
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Orthotics can provide foot support.
Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the foot and relieve pressure on the problematic area. They can be bought over the counter or created to order by a podiatrist.
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Surgery
In some circumstances, surgery may be required to alleviate heel discomfort. If all other therapies have failed or if the illness is severe, surgery may be required. The sort of surgery required will be determined by the origin and severity of the problem.