I used to love wearing heels all the time, and then I started getting terrible foot pain all the time. I visited my podiatrist, and she showed me how much damage I was doing to my feet. She showed me how much better my feet would be able to react if I wore shoes with proper arch support and convinced me to try some sensible shoes. It made such a difference. My boyfriend says I'm a whole new person - a new person who doesn't complain about her aching feet all day long. Now I proudly wear sensible shoes and enjoy my life!
Heel pain can be the result of many different issues. There are various treatment options available. Orthotics may be used to treat heel pain. Orthotics is the term for tailored shoe inserts.
Causes of heel pain
Heel pain can be caused by shoes that do not fit properly, issues with walking correctly, obesity and using your feet on tough flooring. It can also be due to an injury such as a fracture, a nerve growth, inflammation or issues such as diabetes and arthritis.
An abnormal way of walking can cause your heel to become inflamed which can lead to the development of a spur, which is a lump in the bone. Many people have undiagnosed spurs because they do not always cause symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis can occur when the plantar fascia tissue becomes overstretched or bruised. This can lead to pain and swelling in the foot. If untreated, it can lead to a spur. Bursitis is another condition that can occur with inflammation. It affects the bursa, which holds fluid inside the heel. Bursitis can be caused by overuse or injury. Symptoms of bursitis include swelling, feeling heat around the heel, a stiff foot, reddening of the skin and increased pain after walking.
Sever's disease can cause heel pain in children. It occurs due to the growing heel bone becoming strained. This can be the result of a great level of physical activity. Alongside heel pain, other symptoms include limping, needing to shift weight onto the toes and increased pain after exercise.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
A doctor may assess the joints and muscles in your foot, and you may be required to have some scans. If you heel is sensitive to pain, you may have a spur. This can be diagnosed through an x-ray.
How is heel pain treated?
There are different treatment options depending on the cause of your heel pain. Sever's disease is typically treated through the application of ice, rest, stretching and heel lifts. Surgery may be required for bursitis, spurs and issues with the nerves. Other treatment options include splints, anti-inflammatory medication, exercises, rest and foot massages.
Orthotics may be used for long-term heel pain. Orthotics can be custom made to tackle parts of the heel that are highly sensitive or to absorb stress placed on the heel when exercising. Orthotics may be used as a treatment option alongside options such as stretching exercises and foot strapping.
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