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Pain is often the enemy of a healthy body, but it can also have the ability to warn us of an early illness or injury. When pain occurs in your heels, it can alert you to seek medical attention. This alert is important because it can point to various afflictions that contribute to heel pain. Sometimes disabling, heel pain can occur in the front, back, or bottom of your heel. Heel pain has many causes and is generally the result of faulty walking abnormalities that place too much stress on the heel bone and soft tissues that attach to it. This stress may also be the result of injury, or a bruise that might have occurred while walking, running or from wearing poorly constructed footwear. Take heel problems seriously. If you are suffering from pain in your heel or any part of your foot, contact your podiatrist before the school year begins. This is especially important if you are active in sports and other physical activities. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Frequently associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running from the heel to the ball of the foot, heel pain and heel spurs are often referred to as plantar fasciitis. Athletes who run and jump a lot may often exhibit plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond normal extension which then causes the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length. This stress can lead to inflammation, pain and a possibility of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone. Your inflammation may become further aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by chronic irritation that can accompany an athletic lifestyle. After a night's sleep, you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band. When it stretches, it pulls on your heel, causing your pain to reoccur. As you begin to walk, your pain may lessen or disappear, but it may just be a false sense of relief as it may often return after resting or extensive walking. Heel Spur Syndrome Another common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, which is a bony growth on the underside of your heel bone. The spur is visible by x-ray and appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of a bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome. Heel spurs are the result of a strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. This is caused by the stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot. With repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone, your pain will persist. Heel spurs may result from biomechanical imbalance, running, jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity. Protect Your Heel from Plantar Fasciitis The inflammation of plantar fasciitis may continue to be aggravated by the shoes that you are wearing if they lack support in the arch area. Chronic irritation may also accompany an athletic lifestyle, creating difficulties while performing sports activities. You can take steps now to avoid heel pain, including: * Wear shoes that fit well
* Wear proper shoes for each activity
* Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles
* Prepare properly before exercising by stretching and warming up
* Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities
* Don't underestimate your body's need for rest and good nutrition
* Lose excess weight If your pain or symptoms of inflammation persist, a trip to your podiatrist may be in order. Your Lancaster and Northridge podiatrist will examine your heel and may also perform X-rays in order to find the cause of your heel pain. Early treatment and prevention are key in avoiding prolonged heel pain. Don't ignore your pain. Come in and make sure you start the school year off with your best foot forward.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Thomas Neuman, a Lancaster and Northridge podiatrist. Dr. Thomas Neuman is a board certified foot surgeon with the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Offering an array of services, in treatments and procedures, such as heel pain, neuropathy, foot pain and orthotics in Lancaster and Northridge, Dr. Neuman is committed to providing quality podiatric care.
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