Common Causes Of Heel Pain
If you're struggling with pain from your heel when you walk, you may be wondering about the root cause or how to treat the problem. There are a number of different reasons for heel pain to develop, and understanding what they are can help you address the problem. Here's a look at what your orthopedist would want you to know about some of the root causes of heel pain.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs often result from strain as a result of repetitive stress, such as from running. Bone spurs are calcium deposits and they can prove to be quite painful when you step down. You'll need to talk with an orthopedic specialist if you believe that you have bone spurs on your heel causing pain. They can not only assess your heel to see if bone spurs are to blame, but they can also provide you with the medical intervention necessary to resolve the problem.
Tendonitis
Your feet contain a variety of muscles and tendons, and inflammation in those tendons, whether due to repetitive motion, improperly fitting shoes, or repetitive motion, can cause tendonitis. Inflammation of the tendon can be painful and can cause pain to radiate out from your heel when you step. You'll need to address the cause of the inflammation to resolve the pain in this case.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia extends from the heel to the toes and can cause significant pain in the heel when it's inflamed. You'll typically notice that the pain is worse when you first get up in the morning, eases some with activity, and returns significantly after a period of rest. Plantar fasciitis takes time to heal, but you can support the restoration of the plantar fascia with taping, stretches, and other techniques. Your orthopedist can help with this.
Bruised Heel Pad
Sometimes, an impact on the pad of your heel can cause a deep tissue bruise that results in pain when you step down. Your orthopedic specialist can examine your heel and determine if a pad bruise is the most likely cause of your pain, and may be able to recommend an insole or other support to help ease the discomfort.
These are some of the most common causes of heel pain, and some tips for addressing them. If you're struggling with pain and discomfort in your heel, reach out to an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible for more help.