Why is heel pain so common?
The anatomy of your foot is a complex network of bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. If a problem arises with any one of those components, foot pain and impaired mobility can follow.
You place an enormous amount of strain on your feet throughout each day, much of which affects your heels. When you consider the tasks your feet handle each day, it’s surprising heel pain isn’t more common.
What are some common causes of heel pain?
Numerous things can contribute to heel pain. Some of the more common causes include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcaneal cysts
- Calcaneal apophysitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Baxter’s nerve entrapment
- Arthritis
- Circulation issues
- Bone cyst or bone bruise
- Bursitis
- Medial calcaneal nerve entrapment
- Heel spur syndrome
- Plantar fibroma
Because there are so many potential causal factors for heel pain, it’s important to schedule a visit at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of North Texas if heel pain doesn’t subside after a few days of self-care.
How can I prevent heel pain?
There are some cases in which heel pain cannot be prevented, no matter how careful you are to avoid placing undue pressure on your feet. Often, however, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing heel pain.
These tips can help keep your heels and feet happy and healthy:
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
- Reach and maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid wearing shoes that cause foot pain
- Warm up properly before playing sports or exercising
- Choose shoes suited for the task at hand (running shoes, hiking boots, etc.)
- Select shoes with materials that absorb shock, or use heel pad inserts
- Wear shoes that fit properly and are in good condition
While you may not be able to avoid foot trauma, infections, or certain other conditions, there’s something to be said for the phrase, “Take good care of your feet, and they’ll take good care of you.”
What are some treatments for heel pain?
Your treatment path depends on your unique set of medical needs, and is designed to address the source of your heel pain.
Some of the methods used to treat heel pain include:
- Custom orthotics
- Night splints
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections
- Surgical intervention
There are as many treatments as there are causes of heel pain, but you can rest assured that the team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of North Texas will guide you toward the best course of action for your needs. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today to get started.
