Heel pain is a common occurrence, and while minor heel pain will usually subside with rest, icing, and elevation, more severe heel pain could be from a serious problem requiring assistance from your foot care professional.
3 common causes of heel pain include the following:
- Plantar fasciitis—The arch of your foot is formed by a wide band of tissue called the plantar fascia. This tissue narrows and follows around the back of the heel where it inserts into the heel bone. The plantar fascia often becomes stretched and damaged from work, exercise, and the pain and discomfort can radiate to the insertion point at the heel bone.
- Achilles tendon injury—The Achilles tendon runs along the back of your heel and up to your calf muscle. It is the largest tendon in your body and allows you to flex your foot and push off when you walk or exercise. When this tendon becomes injured due to high-stress activities, it can cause unbearable pain, especially after a complete rupture. More commonly, the tendon will become swollen and stretched or slightly torn. Always stop what you are doing when you injure your Achilles tendon to avoid a much worse injury.
- Heel fracture—While your heel bone may be very strong, it is nevertheless susceptible to breaking, especially during high impact sports and exercise activities. Affecting your heel on a hard court while playing sports like basketball or tennis can happen with considerable force, causing the heel bone to break. This can be a very painful injury involving surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
If you are experiencing pain in your heels, see your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Schedule an appointment with the Foot First Podiatry Center in New Albany, IN. Our highly qualified podiatrist Dr. Zahid Ladha, D.P.M., is dedicated to providing the best diagnostic care and medical treatment for you and your feet. Contact us at (812) 945-9221 and schedule an appointment today!