Berkhamsted Heel Pain Clinic | Heel Pain | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment
Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Heel pain is a prevalent condition affecting individuals across various age groups and activity levels. It can stem from factors such as overuse, injury, or specific medical conditions. One of the primary causes behind heel pain is plantar fasciitis, characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick tissue band spanning the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Other contributors to heel pain encompass Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, heel spurs, and bursitis.
Common Causes of Heel Pain:
- Plantar Fasciitis: A leading cause, often linked to repetitive stress on the plantar fascia. Activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing contribute to its development. Symptoms include heel or arch pain, particularly intense in the morning or after extended periods of sitting.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Involves inflammation of the achilles tendon, crucial for walking, running, and jumping. Overuse or sudden activity increase, such as starting a new exercise routine, can trigger this condition. Symptoms encompass pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, exacerbated by activity.
- Stress Fractures: Common among athletes or those engaging in high-impact activities. These fractures, small cracks in the bone due to repetitive stress, manifest as pain and swelling, worsening with activity and alleviating with rest.
- Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. Caused by repetitive stress, they lead to pain and discomfort.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints. In the heel, it can occur between the Achilles tendon and heel bone or between the skin and heel bone. Symptoms include pain and swelling, worsening with activity.
Treatment for heel pain with us starts with identifying the biomechnical cause. With this information, and your treatment goals / wishes we devise a plan for you. Treatment may consist of: rehabilitation; change of footwear; custom foot orthotics; gait re-education; steroid injections; acupuncture foot mobilisation; and strapping etc. Whether heel pain resolves depends on its underlying cause.
Neglecting or untreated heel pain may lead to chronic conditions, impacting daily activities, your lifestyle and contribute to other foot and leg issues, including lower back, hip and knee pain, as well as compensatory alterations in gait. Experience tells us - the longer the pain has been there, the longer it will take to go and the more treatment you may need.
Addressing heel pain promptly and seeking medical attention for persistent or worsening symptoms is vital. Early intervention can prevent chronicity and enhance the likelihood of a quick complete recovery.
