Heel pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk and enjoy daily activities.
Understanding the root causes is crucial for effective management and relief.
In this informative series, we delve into the most common culprits behind heel pain.
From plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, to Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, we’ll shed light on these conditions and offer insights into prevention and treatment strategies below.
Get ready to step towards pain-free living!
Of the 26 separate bones in each of your feet, the heel bone is the biggest and arguably the most important.
The heel bone provides the strength, support, and balance necessary for your feet to work properly.
Given its heavy workload, it is not uncommon for the heel to develop problems, especially in active individuals or those who spend a lot of time on their feet.
These issues can vary in cause and severity, but heel problems almost always involve pain, discomfort, and limitations on mobility or the ability to walk.
If you are experiencing heel pain, the first step in addressing the issue is understanding the reason behind your condition, and the first step in learning why you’re suffering and what you can do about it is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced and skilled podiatrist.
The Most Common Culprits Of Heel Pain
There are several culprits that are to blame for the heel pain that slows down millions of Americans every year, but the top three causes are:
- Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue which runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a biomechanical condition caused by immense and ongoing pressure that damages that tissue and causes inflammation, pain, or stiffness at the sole of the foot. Common among runners, plantar fasciitis often manifests itself as a stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel.
- Achilles Tendonitis. Found at the back of your ankle, the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your entire body. It connects the back of your lower calf muscles to your foot, providing the power you need when you are pushing off while walking or running. Achilles tendonitis, also called Achilles tendinothapy, is usually the result of overuse, such as training too hard without giving the tendon time to recover from the strain put on it. It can be exacerbated by other factors, such as poor footwear, soft running surfaces, or running uphill for extended periods.
- Heel Bursitis. Closely linked to Achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis is a condition caused by the swelling of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac found at the back of the heel bone.The bursa is where the large Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated, usually from overuse,it can cause swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness at the back of the heel.
Additional reasons you may be experiencing heel pain include:
- Calcaneal Heel Spur Syndrome
- Calcaneal Heel Nerve Entrapment
- Arthritis of the Heel
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Heel Fracture or Stress Fracture
- Flexor Tendonitis/Tendinosis
- Foot Injury
- Flimsy or Insufficiently supported Footwear
- Obesity
- Bruising from activity on hard surfaces
You Don’t Need to Live With Pain Anymore!
When you are living with heel pain, every step can be a painful reminder of the problem.
The good news is there are non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatment options that can address and resolve heel pain.
The new Advanced Heel Pain Centers of South Florida, a specialized extension of JAWS Podiatry, is the first specialty care center in the region to focus exclusively on treating heel pain and its underlying conditions.
We offer patients the most advanced treatment choices available.
Using the latest technology and leveraging the experience, knowledge, and skills of our exceptional podiatrists, we bring relief, increased mobility, and a better quality of life to patients who struggle every day with heel pain, discomfort, and other problems.
Watch below as Dr. Abraham Wagner D.P.M. performs a Bifecta Procedure on a patient for heel pain.
Call the Advanced Heel Pain Centers of South Florida Today
No one should have to live with heel pain – and you don’t have to!
Please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
- How To Choose The Best Toenail Clippers For Seniors - August 8, 2024
- The Life-Changing Power of Cosmetic Foot Surgery - February 27, 2023
- What Are The Most Common Pediatric Foot Conditions? - October 5, 2020