What causes heel pain?

What causes heel pain? Heel pain is generally thought to be the result of too much stress on

Ray Nguyen

November 15, 2022

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain is generally thought to be the result of too much stress on the heel bone and the surrounding tissues. Stress may also be due to injury, running or jumping on hard surfaces, poorly suited footwear and/or being overweight.  It is a common condition and can occur in those with high arched or ‘flat feet’.

Heel Spur

A heel spur is a bony growth under the heel bone. It isn’t visible but a deep painful spot can be found in or around the sole of the heel. Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles of the foot; usually from biomechanical imbalances. Approximately 10 percent of the population may have heel spurs without pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (a long band of connective tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot). Pain is usually due to inflammation rather than the spur itself


Other causes of heel pain

·       Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid filled sack at the back of the heel)

·       Heel bumps or ‘Pump bumps’: a bony enlargement at the rear of the heel

·       Nerve impingement: nerves can be entrapped the surrounding structures causing pain

·       Bruises or fractures to the heel bone


Treatment

Treatment for heel pain may be as simple as taping and footwear changes to orthoses. The aim of treatment is to decrease the amount of stress on the foot. These treatments are usually effective and most patients should notice an improvement within 6-8weeks. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to resolve the underlying cause.

If you have any further questions about how we can help with Foot related issues, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment and start improving your foot pain today.

More Blog

A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie

Top Stories

Pins and needles is a common sensation

Pins and needles in arms can be caused by many things. Poor posture, sitting in one position for too long, or sleeping on your arm can all lead to pins and needles. In most cases, the sensation goes away after you move your arm or change your position. Pins and needles can also be caused by pressure on the nerves. This can happen when you wear a tight bracelet or watchband or cross your legs for a long time. The sensation usually goes away quickly once the pressure is released. In some cases, pins and needles may indicate an underlying medical condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and certain vitamin deficiencies can all cause pins and needles sensations in the arms. If you have persistent pins and needles, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

Kim Le

arrow to service

Spinal traction: what is it and how does it work?

Spinal traction is a method used to relieve back pain and other problems associated with the spine. The goal of spinal traction is to stretch the spine and take pressure off the nerves. This can help to relieve pain and improve function. Spinal traction is typically done with a machine that pulls on the spine from different angles. The person receiving treatment will lie on a table or bed, and straps will be used to hold them in place. The machine will then slowly pull on the spine, stretching it out. Spinal traction is usually done for 15-30 minutes at a time. It may be done once or twice a day for several days or weeks. Some people may need ongoing treatment to maintain relief from their symptoms. If you are considering spinal traction for your back pain, talk to your doctor to see if it is right.‍

Kim Le

arrow to service

Children's Podiatry: A Guide for Parents

Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.‍

Raymond Nguyen

arrow to service

Get In Touch

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.