What causes heel pain? Heel pain is generally thought to be the result of too much stress on
Ray Nguyen
November 15, 2022
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain is generally thought to be the result of too much stress on the heel bone and the surrounding tissues. Stress may also be due to injury, running or jumping on hard surfaces, poorly suited footwear and/or being overweight. It is a common condition and can occur in those with high arched or ‘flat feet’.
A heel spur is a bony growth under the heel bone. It isn’t visible but a deep painful spot can be found in or around the sole of the heel. Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles of the foot; usually from biomechanical imbalances. Approximately 10 percent of the population may have heel spurs without pain.
Heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (a long band of connective tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot). Pain is usually due to inflammation rather than the spur itself
· Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid filled sack at the back of the heel)
· Heel bumps or ‘Pump bumps’: a bony enlargement at the rear of the heel
· Nerve impingement: nerves can be entrapped the surrounding structures causing pain
· Bruises or fractures to the heel bone
Treatment for heel pain may be as simple as taping and footwear changes to orthoses. The aim of treatment is to decrease the amount of stress on the foot. These treatments are usually effective and most patients should notice an improvement within 6-8weeks. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to resolve the underlying cause.
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Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and are very thin, so they cause minimal pain when inserted. However, some people report feeling a brief, sharp pain when the needle enters the skin. There are several theories as to why dry needling causes this pain. One theory is that the needles stimulate nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which triggers a pain response. Another theory is that dry needling causes a release of chemicals called cytokines, which can increase pain sensitivity. It’s important to note that while dry needling may cause some discomfort, it is generally not considered painful. Many people find relief from their chronic pain after undergoing dry needling therapy.
A syndesmosis injury is a serious condition that can occur when the bones in the ankle joint are not properly aligned. This can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, or the ankle is twisted. If not treated properly, a syndesmosis injury can lead to long-term problems. There are two main types of syndesmosis injuries: anterolateral and posterior. Anterolateral injuries are more common when the foot is planted awkwardly on an uneven surface. Posterior injuries are less common and occur when the ankle is twisted. If you think you have a syndesmosis injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.