Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common foot problem. The sufferer usually feels pain either\nunder the heel (plantar fasciitis) or just behind it (Achilles tendinitis), where the\nAchilles tendon connects to the heel bone.
Even though heel pain can be severe and sometimes disabling, it is rarely a health\nthreat. Heel pain is typically mild and usually disappears on its own; however, in\nsome cases the pain may persist and become chronic (long-term).
In majority of cases, heel pain has a mechanical cause. It may also be caused\nby arthritis, infection, an autoimmune problem trauma, a neurological problem, or\nsome other systemic condition (condition that affects the whole body). There may\nbe various causes of heel pain like Plantar fasciitis (plantar fasciosis) -\n inflammation of the plantar fascia, Heel bursitis - inflammation of the back of the\nheel, the bursa (a fibrous sac full of fluid) ,Heel bumps (pump bumps) ,Tarsal tunnel\nsyndrome ,Chronic inflammation of the heel pad , Stress fracture,Severs\ndisease (calcaneal apophysitis) ,Achilles tendonosis (degenerative tendinopathy).
- Symptoms of heel pain
Heel pain typically comes on gradually, with no injury to the affected area. It is\nfrequently triggered by wearing a flat shoe, such as flip-flop sandals. Flat footwear\nmay stretch the plantar fascia to such an extent that the area becomes swollen or\ninflamed.In most cases, the pain is under the foot, toward the front of the heel.New\nresearch from the US suggests that wearing shoes such as high heels, pumps and\nsandals was strongly linked in women\'s later life with heel and ankle pain.
Treatments for heel pain
The following are common treatments for heel pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (After consultation with a doctor)
- Corticosteroids
- Home care such as rest, ice-pack use, proper-fitting footwear and foot supports are\noften enough to ease heel pain.
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy)
- Night splints
In cases that are not severe, home care is probably enough to get rid of heel pain.
- Rest - avoid running or standing for long periods, or walking on hard surfaces. Avoid\nactivities that may stress the heels.
- Ice - place an ice-pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes. Do not place bare ice\ndirectly onto skin.
- Footwear - proper-fitting shoes that provide good support are crucial. Athletes\nshould be particularly fussy about the shoes they use when practicing or competing -\nsports shoes need to be replaced at specific intervals (ask your trainer).
- Foot supports - wedges and heel cups and Insoles can help relieve symptoms.
Orthotics
Insoles and orthotics (assistive devices) can be useful to correct foot faults, as well as\ncushioning and cradling the arch during the healing process. FootPro makes\ncustomized Insoles for support of the feet and to spread the pressure over the entire\nplantar surface of the feet, thereby reducing the stress and strain on one particular\narea.
