The rubbing and pressure of improperly-fitted shoes is one easily mitigated source of heel pain. Have your feet properly measured whenever you get new footwear. Also, be sure to talk to your foot doctor about custom orthotic inserts that can treat overpronation and many other causes of foot and heel pain. By improving your gait mechanics, you also align your spine and decrease knee, hip, and back issues as well.
4 possible causes of heel pain include the following:
1. Achilles tendonitis—The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your foot at the heel bone. When this tendon becomes stretched or torn from excessive stress and pressure, severe heel pain can result.
2. Peripheral neuropathy—This is nerve damage often caused by diabetes that can create a sensation of numbing and pain in the foot, including the heel area.
3. Plantar fasciitis—This is actually a condition that begins with injury to the arch (the plantar fascia), but often advances to include severe heel pain as well.
4. Acute or stress fractures—Coming down hard on your heel while playing sports can fracture the heel bone, causing severe pain and disability. You can also suffer a stress or hairline fracture to the heel bone that causes intermittent pain and can be hard to locate without your foot doctor’s assistance.
Some of the causes of heel pain can have very similar symptoms, so see a foot doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas) is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.