What Causes Heel Pain?

There is nothing worse than feeling pain in your foot and ankles. Of all the most vulnerable spots, it seems like the heel takes a brunt of the force; for that reason, it is only natural to think that it can also create some serious problems. Getting to the cause itself could mean a quicker New York plantar fasciitis treatment plan and a better understanding of how to prevent any future issues.

Bruises

Bruises can cause pain as inflammation develops. If the heel is injured on a hard surface or object or a repetitive motion like walking or jumping it is more likely to have these skin discolorations. The fat that protects the bone, as well as the bone itself, can be bruised. For just a bruise, it can take several weeks to heal. If the bone is bruised, it may take up to six weeks to heal.

Fractures

Fractures can happen to the heel for several reasons. Stress fractures are the most listed among patients and come from continued motion such as running. Other fractures can come from injuries during an accident like falling; osteoporosis also contributes to fractures of the heel. There are nonsurgical treatment options like using RICE, rest, ice, compression, elevation. A doctor may add a cast or even a boot to keep the area from moving while healing. Surgery can be used to stabilize and reconstruct for a more serious break.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis comes from an inflammation of the ligament that goes from the heel to the toes. It is caused by things like obesity, jobs that require standing for long periods, and exercises that stress the heel. Nonsurgical treatment can include physical therapy, arch supports, and steroid injections. For severe cases, surgery may be needed that will consist of detaching the plantar fascia from the heel.

Tendonitis

When the muscle going from the calf to the heel becomes inflamed it is diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis. The tendons get tears through repetitive activities that cause inflammation, which gets weak and become thicker. Before performing surgery to repair the tendon a doctor will tell a patient to try bed rest and try over the counter medication like ibuprofen. Physical therapy can help with strengthening the Achilles tendon which helps with the healing process.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs happen when there is a calcium deposit that forms on the heel. These spurs can be caused by obesity as well as shoes that do not fit properly. Exercising on hard surfaces will also contribute to heel spurs. A doctor will recommend changing shoes and using heel lifts. Surgery can remove the heel spur or cut the plantar fascia to allow for new growth. The recovery time from these surgeries could be longer than expected based on the depth of the spur and any potential damage to the bone caused by its removal.

Heel pain is more than discomfort, it can actually cause problems in every part of life. Before the pain gets to be too much, every patient should seek out medical attention. Getting to the problem as soon as possible could mean a better prognosis and overall treatment plan.