The heel manages the stress exerted when we walk and run. The everyday stress on the heel can cause pain in the heel’s back or bottom. There are several causes of heel pain. Over 2 million Americans seek treatment for heel pain every year. Though with treatment the pan resolves over time, some experience pain for about a year and affects their daily routine.
Who are more likely to experience heel pain?
- Middle-aged people
- Those having a physically active lifestyle
- Overweight or obese people
- People who stand for long hours everyday
- Pregnant women
- Children between 8 and 13 years of age
Heel pain can be very uncomfortable. Seek medical help to get relief from heel pain. Consult a podiatrist in your area for a diagnosis. The doctor would perform a physical examination, may run an X-ray if required and let you know of natural ways to alleviate the pain apart from prescribing pain meds. Get medical help at the earliest to get rid of heel pain.
If you are looking for a reputable clinic in Irvine, book an appointment with Podiatrist in Irvine. They specialize in custom orthotics and offers individualized treatment plan for patients. Their experienced podiatrists would assess your foot and provide the apt type of custom orthotics. The choice varies depending on the diagnosis.
Causes of heal pain:
Plantar fasciitis:
If you are experiencing a sharp heel pain every morning, chances are you have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia is a ligament that runs between one’s heel and front of the foot. Inflammation of this ligament causes heel pain. The reason people experience pain after they wake up is because the ligament contracts while we rest.
Heel spur:
Incorrect walking style like curling the feet inwards, obesity or poorly fitted shoes exerts strain on plantar fascia. Overtime it causes the ligament to tear and bleed. Calcification of this injury results in a bony growth that can only be diagnosed with an X-ray. The inflammation of the area causes pain in the heel region.
Sever’s disease:
It is common among children aged 8 and 16 and occurs due to the inflammation of growth plate present in the heel. It occurs due to repetitive stress on the heel due to constant running, jumping, playing etc. Kids who wear very flat shoes may also experience pain.
Common treatments:
- Rest from activities that cause inflammation to flare up
- Regular foot massage
- Use ice pack
- Wear splint at night
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Change walking style and posture
- Surgery in case of severe inflammation
Stretching exercises that provide relief:
- Stretch the arch: Lie flat on your back, lift your legs, wrap a towel around the front part of the foot and stretch it.
- Toe stretch: Use your big toe as a pointer to trace alphabet using your toes every morning.
- Tow crunches: Curl toes downward and mimic picking a pencil.
Wear right-fitted shows and follow correct walking posture to avoid heel pain. Do regular stretching exercises recommended by your doctor for fast healing.
