Heel Pain

Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common problems people experience in the foot.

There are many reasons why heel pain occurs in the human foot and the most important part of its treatment is to accurately diagnose its cause.

One of the most common causes of heel pain is when the plantar fascia (the long ligament under your foot that helps to support the arch) is repeatedly over-stretched and becomes damaged or when there is too much impact stress on the fatty tissue under the heel bone.

This is commonly referred to as Plantar Fasciitis, however, it should more accurately be called plantar fasciopathy.

Plantar fascia pain commonly occurs about the inside of the heel and is worst first thing in the morning, after rest and may get worse with activity.

Heel pain may be caused by many other problems such as trauma, overstressing of the Achilles tendon fractures, spurs, nerve entrapments, and bone tumors.

Pain in the heel commonly develops after a sudden increase in levels of activity, increased weight gain and also a change in footwear or work environment.    

Your podiatrist will advise you of your diagnosis and treatment options after performing a thorough history taking, biomechanical assessment and discussing your goals for your treatment.