Are you familiar with the aching pain in your heels when you first get out of bed in the morning and put your feet on the floor... or the pain you feel when you walk a little distance or when you stand all day at work? In fact, this heel pain is a very common problem that many people in our country have, and it interferes with their daily activities. So today, let's talk about this, what exactly causes it, and what we should do, very simply and politely.
What exactly is this heel pain?
Simply put, heel pain is a pain, stiffness, or tenderness anywhere on your heel. However, it is most often felt under the heel (on the sole) or behind the heel . There are various conditions that can cause this pain. The two main ones are ``Plantar Fasciitis`` and ``Achilles Tendinitis``.
This pain can make it difficult to walk and perform daily activities. Therefore, it is very important to see your doctor to find out the exact cause. In most cases, this condition can be cured with simple non-surgical treatments. But it is essential to be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal.
What are the main causes of heel pain?
There are different causes of heel pain. Sometimes the pain can come on suddenly without any injury. Other times, the pain gradually increases. Let's look at the causes based on where the pain is located.
| The place where the pain occurs | Possible cause and explanation |
|---|---|
| Back of the heel | Achilles Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the strong band of tissue (Achilles tendon) that connects your shin bone to your heel bone. It's common in people who play sports that involve running and jumping. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of your heel. Bursitis: This condition occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) between our joints that help with movement become inflamed. It can feel like a bruise on the back of the heel. It's more common in people who stand for long periods of time. Haglund's Deformity: Long-term swelling can cause a bony bump (pump bump) to develop on the back of the heel. This pain is exacerbated when wearing high heels. Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): This is a common cause of heel pain in active, running children between the ages of 8-14. The pain is caused by excessive activity that puts pressure on the growth plate at the back of the heel. |
| Under the heel (sole) | Bone Bruise (Contusion): When you step on something hard or sharp, such as a stone, the layer of fat under your heel can be bruised. You may not see any bruising, but you may feel pain when you walk. Stress Fracture: Tiny fractures in the heel bone caused by excessive strain can cause pain in the sole, side, and back. Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain . Simply put, there is a band of tissue (fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot like a bow. This band becomes stretched, torn, and inflamed. This is common in people who run, jump, or work on hard surfaces (concrete). Heel Spurs: Long-term plantar fasciitis can cause a bone spur on the heel bone. This spur is not always painful, but it can be painful for some people. |
Who is more at risk for developing heel pain?
Anything that puts too much pressure or strain on your foot can cause heel pain. Things like the way you walk and the shape of your foot can also affect this.
You may be more likely to develop heel pain,
- If you are overweight .
- If you have arthritis in your feet and ankles, flat feet, or high arches .
- If you are someone who runs and jumps a lot while playing sports or exercising.
- Especially if you stand on concrete ground for a long time .
- If you wear shoes that don't fit your foot properly, or that lack arch support or cushioning .
How to treat this pain?
The best part is that many heel pain problems can be treated over time with non-surgical treatments. The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain and swelling, increase flexibility in the foot, and reduce pressure on the heel.
The most important thing is that ignoring the pain can make the problem worse. Therefore, it is essential to rest and seek proper treatment.
Below are some common treatments that a doctor may recommend.
| Treatment method | Description |
|---|---|
| Painkillers and ice | Prescription painkillers (NSAIDs) and ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling. |
| Stretching | Your doctor or physical therapist will teach you simple exercises to loosen tight tissues and muscles. |
| Physical Therapy | Massage and ultrasound therapy can help heal injured tissues and reduce pain and swelling. |
| Orthotic devices | Shoe inserts/orthotics can help reduce pressure on the heel. Some people can also wear a special splint at night to help reduce morning pain. |
| Injections | The doctor may decide to give you a steroid injection to control pain and swelling. This can be more effective for conditions like ``Plantar Fasciitis`` and ``Bursitis.`` |
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience these things, definitely see a doctor.
- If the pain does not subside after a few weeks of rest and taking painkillers.
- If the pain makes it difficult to walk or move normally .
- If there is severe swelling, stiffness, or redness in the foot or heel.
Your doctor will examine you and, if necessary, perform tests such as X-rays to determine the exact cause of your pain. Rarely, an MRI or ultrasound may be needed to look for soft tissue problems.
Take-Home Message
- Heel pain is a very common condition, but one that should not be ignored.
- Often, the cause of this pain is a condition caused by overuse, such as ``Plantar Fasciitis''.
- Rest, ice, appropriate exercise, and wearing the right shoes are important parts of treatment.
- Controlling your body weight is a great way to reduce pressure on your heels.
- If the pain persists or is severe, be sure to seek medical advice. The sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to recover.
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