Heel Pain
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common problem in adults.
The most common cause of heel pain is inflammation of the tissue (plantar fascia) extending from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the ball of the foot (metatarsal region). Heel pain can also occur in children, this is usually Severs disease.
The causes of heel pain are usually a result of faulty biomechanics (abnormalities in the way we walk). This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it. The stress can also result from injury or a bruise incurred whilst walking, running or jumping on hard surfaces.
Plantar fasciitis and Heel spurs maybe caused by:
- Excessive rolling in of the feet
- Inflamed bursa (bursitis)
- Neuroma (nerve growth & entrapment)
- Stress fractures of the heel bone
- Poor/inappropriate footwear
Treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are the same initially:
- Sports taping
- Footwear prescription
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Rest & ice
- Orthotic therapy
- Stretching/strengthening