One of the most common foot problems among patients seen regularly by Podiatrist is heel pain. Heel Pain often stems beneath the heel. The plantar fascia band of tissue runs from your heel to the bottom of your forefoot and provides arch support.
Plantar fasciitis is the medical condition when experiencing inflammation of this connective tissue.The location of this band of tough tissue that attaches to the heel, referred to as the plantar fascia, is the reason this area can become painful.
Achilles Tendon – Achilles Heel Pain Treatment
The Achilles, a common heel issue, is caused by the Achilles tendon which typically causes pain in the back of the heel bone, The achilles tendon is the major tendon that connects back of your heel to the lower log. A plantar fascia and/oran achilles tendon pull are the most common causes of heel pain.
Achilles Heel pain should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by our Homer Glen Podiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis and Achilles Tendon treatment plan.
Heel Pain Causes
Repetitive heel stressors, over a period of time, can often contribute to the causes heel pain. Other causes of heel pain can include:
- Cysts
- Arthritis
- Tumors
- Infections
- Stress Fracture
- Foot Deformities
- Autoimmune problems
Heel Pain Symptoms
Heel pain appears gradually with no sign of injury and rarely shows immediate symptoms. Heel Pain Symptoms are often triggered by walking barefoot on hard surfaces or wearing flat shoes or sandals and you can expect your foot doctor to instruct you on the best shoes to avoid having pain.
Schedule a visit at Vittori Foot and Ankle specialist in Homer Glen, IL to describe the heel pain symptoms you may be feeling. If you experience any of the following heel pain symptoms, contact Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist, right now:
- Heel Numbness
- Tingling sensations in your heel
- Heel Inflammation
- Inability to bend your foot down
- Problems walking normally
- Extended pain
- Continuous heel pain that persists over a week
All heel pain symptoms should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by our podiatrist at Vittori Foot and Ankle Clinic, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to exclude any underlying serious condition.
Diagnosing Heel Pain
Physical Exam – To accompany a thorough physical examination, here are some common heel pain diagnosis questions that may need to be determined, upon physical examination during your visit:
- Description of heel pain
- Past health issues, if applicable
- Any historical foot-related issues
- Type of footwear, most often worn
- Amount of time spent walking and/or standing on a typical day-today basis
A Physical examination of the heel condition can sufficiently and accurately determine the cause of heel pain. However, X-rays or an MRI for bone related heel conditions or issues, may also be needed. Types of Heel Pain Treatments in Homer Glen, IL
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Orthotics
- Shock wave therapy
- Heel Surgery
Types of Common Heel Problems
Plantar Fasciitis – Heel Spur
The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar fasciitis. Essentially the plantar fascia is an important ligament that supports your arch and connects the toes to your heels.
The plantar fascia is designed to handle high amounts of pressure and stress from your daily activities, yet too much pressure and stress may cause tears in the ligament; leading to inflammation and pain.
Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain
- Heel Inflammation
- Foot pain after exercise
- Foot pain during the first step in the morning
- Foot or heel Pain after sitting for a long period of time
Haglund’s Deformity – Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Haglund’s Deformity or retrocalcaneal bursitis, is a painful enlargement on the back of the heel bone and normally appears as a red, painful, and swollen area in the back of the heel bone.
Heel Callus – Plantar Callus
Heel calluses or plantar calluses, developed from one metatarsal bone being longer or lower than the bones. Thus, causing it to hit the ground with more force, than it is equipped to handle. As a result, the skin under this bone thickens. The resulting callus causes irritation and pain.
Heel Fissures
Heel fissures is the term commonly used to refer to the cracking of the heel skin. Heel fissures may cause bleeding and result in painful conditions. Open-backed sandals or shoes that allow more slippage around the heel while walking are often culprits that can cause heel fissures. Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can also lead to heel fissures. The skin thickens as a result of the friction.
If you’re experiencing heel pain and think it might be plantar fasciitis, call Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist for an examination and treatment plan.
