The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, and according to hcplive.com, “a full 10% of the population experiences heel pain their lives.” Those who have chronic heel pain may require surgery as a treatment option. A study conducted by the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery suggests that surgery that did not require calcaneal, or heel bone drilling to treat plantar fasciitis was not as effective as those who did have calcaneal drilling.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting consult with Dr. Jeff Wachtel, D.P.M., of Wachtel Family Foot Care. Dr. Wachtel will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
- Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
- Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
- Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lansdale, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
