5 Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common foot and ankle issue. Pain can happen underneath your heel, behind it, or within the heel bone itself. Heel pain Jamaica can affect anyone, regardless of their age. You are at a high risk of developing heel pain if you are obese, run or jump a lot during sports, have flat feet or high foot arches, and wear improper-fitting shoes without arch support. Home remedies can treat most cases of heel pain. But consult your doctor if you experience persistent severe pain or cannot walk or do daily duties. There are many causes of heel pain, including:
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a tissue band connecting the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is common in runners and tennis and basketball players. The common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain at the back of your leg or above your heel after sports activities. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated at home with rest and hot and cold compressors. If your tendon ruptures, your doctor may recommend surgical repair.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa. Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis is a painful condition and mostly develops near the joints that make frequent repetitive motions, including shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, and heel. If bursitis affects your heel joint, your heel may feel achy or stiff, appear swollen and red and hurt more when you move or press on it.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and mostly affects runners and obese people. Plantar fasciitis often causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near your heel. Pain worsens with your first steps when you wake up and after long periods of standing or sitting.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone. They result from a repetitive force like jumping up and down or running long distances. Osteoporosis can also weaken your bones, leading to fractures. Stress fractures mostly develop in the weight-bearing bones of your lower leg and foot. Pain from stress fractures worsens with time. You may experience tenderness around the affected area, which decreases during rest. The painful region might also swell.
Haglund’s deformity
Haglund’s deformity is a bony bump on the back of your heel bone. The bump develops where the Achilles tendon attaches to your heel. Improper footwear and poor foot structure can lead to Haglund’s deformity. Treatments for Haglund’s deformity include changing footwear, using heel pads to reduce irritation or friction to your heel, and medications to relieve heel pain. Your doctor can suggest surgery if non-surgical options do not alleviate your symptoms.
Heel pain is a common foot and ankle issue. It can result from many factors, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, bursitis, and Haglund’s deformity. Schedule an appointment at NYC Footcare PC for heel pain treatment to resume your daily activities.