Visiting your podiatrist is especially important if you’ve experienced foot pain that may be chronic. “According to a 2014 survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association, 77 percent of U.S. adults over age 18 have experienced foot pain.” Heel pain, in particular, can be caused by many different reasons, including plantar fasciitis, athletic injury, or achilles tendinopathy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, whereas achilles tendinopathy occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes overworked and stressed.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. For more information, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
