Have you got heel pain that has gradually gotten worse over time? Is it especially bad in the morning when you get out of bed? Heel pain is a VERY common problem. As Podiatrists we see this problem every day ranging from children to adults. Since it is a complex problem to explain, let’s just concentrate on heel pain in the adult population in this article.
What exactly causes heel pain?
To better get an understanding of this we should shed some light on the make up and structures around the heel. The heel bone (calcaneus) is surrounded by a complex structure of soft tissue connections – the achilles tendon at the back, the plantar fascia at the bottom and other soft tissue structures such as nerves, arteries, veins, long tendons from muscles in the leg and ligaments that connect it to other smaller bones of the foot and leg.
When these structures aren’t strong or they are not able to put up with high loads and demands placed on them, this usually puts enormous strain on the plantar fascia and/or structures around the heel and can result in an injury. Heel pain is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but from repetitive stress and pounding of the heel.
High stress and strain and increased loading comes in many forms. Wearing very flat unsupportive footwear for long periods of time, sudden increase in exercise, change in work conditions where more standing is required, sudden change in footwear that places the foot in a different position (going from high heels to flat shoes) – these are just a few of the many possible contributing factors.
Sometimes, if the heel pain isn’t treated early (acute phase) the problem can persevere for months and result in the pain being harder to treat at home without professional help.
What should you do if there are signs of heel pain at home during the early acute phase?
It’s important to pay attention to what you may have done that could have caused the increased stress and strain in the first place. Have you been too eager to lose weight and you thought a 2 hour walk would be good for you in the first week? Have you been wearing flip-flops everyday because the weather’s been hot? Has work provided you with a brand new pair of safety shoes that you’re not used to? These are questions to ask yourself. Of course, try and reduce the load on your feet as soon as possible to help ease the stress and strain on your heel and structures around it.
Home remedies can be successful at reducing heel pain in the early phase. Apply ice or a frozen bag of peas or roll a frozen bottle of water over the area to help reduce the inflammation. If your calves are tight, try and do calf stretches and get those tight calves massaged. This should help improve ankle movement and function, thereby helping to ease strain on the structures around the heel. Doing simple strengthening exercises to strengthen the calves and smaller muscles of the feet can help prepare them to better respond to increased loads.
If your heel pain still persists…
and you’ve Googled and have tried everything that’s on offer at the local pharmacy then the next best thing to do is see a Podiatrist. This is our specialty, we see this day in day out. We can help! Some treatment modalities that our team can offer are: Shockwave Therapy, Orthotics, Footwear Education and Modification, Dry Needling and Foot Mobilisation and Manipulation. So don’t put up with heel pain! Get yourself assessed so you can get back to doing what you love without pain. Click here to make an appointment at our clinic to have your heel pain gone ASAP.
13 Comments. Leave new
Your blog is really helpful for those who have High stress and strain problem from a long time by wearing unsupportive footwear for long periods of time, the sudden increase in exercise.https://www.manlycovepodiatry.com/
Hello sounds good where about a are you please.
Regards
Margaret
Hi Margaret, we’re located in Keysborough.
Hi i need to know the price for consultation
Hi! We can definitely give you all that information. Are you able to call our clinic on 9711 7562 so we can explain the costs in detail?
I had a accident last year and I’m still having trouble with my ankle and heel pain
Hi Scott,sorry to hear that. Was it a car accident or an injury at work?
Want to know first how much to pay for consultation pls?
Hi Elvira, we have sent you a reply to this question to your email address. Thanks for visiting and reading our blog!
Heel and foot pain
Mob:0438207131
Hi Gary,
We’ve tried calling you on this number you provided and your wife will pass you the message. Look forward to hearing from you to see how we can help. Kim
I am struggling with heel pains, what do I do ??
Hi Marina, thanks for reaching out to us. Heel pain is such a frustrating condition as the pain is there with every step you take and no amount of rest you do seems to help. You need to realise that this is a very common problem and it can be treated! How long have you been suffering with heel pain Marina?