HEEL

Foot and heel injuries are particularly disabling because it is very difficult to rest this area sufficiently without coming off your feet completely. The most common injuries in this area are broken bones (toes and metatarsal fractures), bunions and plantar fasciitis.

Heel Pain

A foot complaint that is very common that may also involve injury to the bone, fat pad, tendons, ligaments or muscles. This can also be the result of a pinched nerve in your lower back.

Have your heel pain diagnosed properly by a doctor to decide your best treatment plan.

Anyone can experience heel pain but a certain group of people can be at risk of heal pain:

Men and women over the age of 40 years old
People who are active in running and sports
People who may be overweight
Children between the ages of 8-13
Women who are pregnant
Standing for long periods of time

Sources of Heel Pain

Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles Tendonitis / Tendinitis
Fibromyalgia
Heel Spur
High Ankle Sprain
Lupus
Muscle Strain (Muscle Pain)
Overuse Injuries
Peroneal Tendonitis
Pinched Nerve
Plantar Fasciitis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Severs Disease
Shin Splints
Sprained Ankle
Stress Fracture Feet

Common Causes of Heel Pain?

There can be many causes of heel pain:

Abnormally walking rolling the feet inwards.
Obesity
Shoes that do not fit. Narrow or worn out shoes
Jumping, standing or running on hard surfaces
Altering and exercise program
Stress fractures
Inflammation of a bursa (bursitis)
Arthritis, diabetes or other health related issues

Treatment of Heel Pain

Poor biomechanics, tightness or muscle weakness is the most likely cause of heel pain. Once your doctor diagnosis the source of the pain, heel pain can be successfully managed.

Successful treatment includes:

Pressure and pain relief techniques

Foot exercises, taping or orthotics
Massage and muscle stretching
muscle strengthening of the lower limb
balance and proprioceptive exercises

If you suspect your training schedule or your footwear is causing your heel pain, speak to your sport therapist, podiatrist or trained footwear specialist. Discuss your exercise regimen to see if you are doing too much

Injury and pain of the heel is very common and respond quickly to treatment. Discuss a custom treatment plan with your therapist at Olympic Sport Therapy to get you back into peak performance.

Definition:

The heel is the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch.