Heel Pain
Pain in your heel is very common and is usually felt underneath or at the back of the heel.
Heel pain has many possible causes and diagnoses, that’s why it is important to have our podiatrists perform a thorough examination of your heel pain and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Causes
The most common causes include:
- Fast increase in activity load
- Non-supportive footwear
- Abnormal gait
- Foot posture
- Activity on hard surfaces
Types of Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the thick tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. It is the most common cause of heel pain. Symptoms include pain at the bottom of your heel that is usually worse during the first few steps in the morning and at the end of the day after prolonged standing.
Heel Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. Can cause pain deep within the heel or around the Achilles. Symptom of pain gets worse as the days progresses. Usually caused by gait pattern, injury or ill-fitting footwear.
Stress Fracture
A fracture within the heel bone due to repetitive stress or overload. Pain can be felt during activity and can worsen to be felt at rest. People involved in high loads of activity or who have increased their activity load too fast can experience a heel stress fracture.
Severs
Or calcaneal apophysitis, is inflammation of the heel growth plate in children. Severs is due to repetitive stress or trauma to the growth plate. It can be uncomfortable for your child usually during activity or sport.
Achilles Pain
Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel. This tendon plays an important role in walking, running, and jumping, and injuries are typically due to overuse, degeneration or weakening. Pain is usually an ache that increases with activity and non-supportive footwear.
Heel Spur
Occurs when the heel bone grows an abnormal amount of bone where the plantar fascia attaches. Can be asymptomatic and symptomatic. Caused from prolonged strain on the plantar fascia. Can cause inflammation and swelling and a point of tenderness.
Haglund Deformity
Heel bump or pump bump is an enlargement of the back of the heel bone. Usually caused by repetitive stress or friction from footwear and foot posture. It can cause pain due to inflammation and swelling and can sometimes lead to a heel bursa.
Peroneal Tendinopathy
Injury to one or both of the peroneal tendons on the outside of the foot and ankle. Inflammation and degeneration can be a result of the injury. Pain can be felt at the heel bone or on the outside of the ankle when active or when moving the foot out and downwards.
Treatment
Heel pain can usually be treated with simple, non-invasive solutions. A thorough medical and activity history will be taken, followed by a full biomechanical assessment to find the root cause of your heel pain.
Treatment can include rest, icing and strengthening exercises, as well as footwear modifications and orthotic therapy.
Why Choose Hampton Podiatry?
At Hampton Podiatry, our focus is on providing quality podiatry care at competitive prices.
Our professional team of registered podiatrists and support staff have over 30 years’ experience serving the Hampton community. In our purpose-built clinic, you’ll find leading technology to provide accurate assessment and tailored treatment. For holistic podiatry care from an experienced team, book your appointment at Hampton Podiatry today.
Book an Appointment
If you’re looking for an experienced podiatrist to treat sports injuries, contact the Hampton Podiatry team today.