Heel pain can be excruciating and requires help from a professional you can trust. For example, our team at The Foot & Ankle Group in Bordentown, Columbus, and Mount Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA, has the experience necessary to manage any frustrating and persistent pain in the heel. Furthermore, we can help you better understand what causes this issue and how to avoid it.
Overuse
Do you like to stay on your feet or work out regularly? There’s a good chance that you may have worked your heel too hard. While exercise is good for you, too much can be a problem if it hurts your heel. If you notice pain after working out, try to take a break for a day to see whether your foot recovers.
Plantar Fasciitis
Have you noticed pain throughout the heel while you walk and other parts of the foot near it? You may have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissues throughout the foot. It’s usually worse during the morning, but can become more intense with time. In some cases, it can cause a tear in the foot that can intensify your suffering.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is caused by inflammation or swelling in the Achilles tendon. This vital cord attaches to the back of your heel bone and can cause severe burning or tightening in the heel. You’ll likely notice swelling and morning stiffness and may even rupture the tendon. It’s most commonly caused by overuse or ill-fitting shoes.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
While rarer than other causes of heel pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome is relatively painful. It affects the posterior tibial nerve. When it develops, it causes pain in the bottom of the foot, near the toes, and sometimes in the heel. Typically, this condition requires surgery to help relieve the pinched nerve that causes it.
Take Care of Your Heels
The heel has a cushioning fat pad that helps to support it and minimize pain. However, as we age, that fat pad can atrophy and put more strain on the foot. Unfortunately, this can result in excessive distress in the foot and throughout the heel. Typically, this condition worsens throughout the day and is common when performing regular weight-bearing activities, such as exercising or walking.
If you need help with ankle concerns, contact us at The Foot & Ankle Group today. We can help with heel pain in Bordentown, Columbus, and Mount Laurel, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. Call (856) 234-0195 for our Mount Laurel office, (215) 332-5300 for Philadelphia, (609) 291-0960 for Bordentown, and (609) 298-7000 for our Columbus location.
