Foot/ankle pain, whether an individual is running or walking, on either hard or soft surfaces, or is just wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, can develop. Feet can be stressed due to the day to day lives/activities that each person partakes in, even though they can manage significant pressure, can also be injury prone due to this. Considered to be the most frequently seen issue that causes concern for the ankles and the feet is heel pain, which is usually manageable and recovers on its own with good resting.
Symptoms and Causes:
- Pain in the heel region can come about for numerous reasons. In order to receive the most efficient and accurate diagnosis and plans for treatment, it is important to seek assistance from an orthopedic foot/ankle specialist or primary care provider, immediately. They will most likely question the location of the pain in the heel and how long the pain has been going on for. The doctor, after examining and testing, will be able to diagnose the main cause of the pain.
Causes of pain beneath the heel:
- Heel pain is a probability of inflammation due to multiple reasons, with some including:
- Stone Bruising: – Located beneath the heel is a padding of fat, which, if stepped on firmly, on sharp or hard materials, can bruise, but most often heals with the rest of the heel.
- Plantar Fasciitis: – The binding of the heel bone to the toes, also known as fascia, becomes inflamed due to demanding pressure including jumping or running. Pain is commonly felt in the center, beneath the heel, when first step outing of bed, with treatment including pads for the heel, physical therapy and medication.
- Heel Spur: – When plantar fasciitis is continual, heel spur occurs. Where the binding of the heel bone to the toes is located (fascia), calcium deposit is produced, causing the heel spur.
- Lisfranc injury: – Lisfranc, also classified as the middle of the foot, is an injury which occurs if the bones located in the midfoot break, or if any ligaments which provide support to the middle of the foot, tear.
- Eversion of the ankle: – this form of injury takes place when the ankle rolls in the outer direction and causes the deltoid ligaments to tear.
Pain behind the heel:
- Further, there is what is known as secondary heel pain, which is often seen through inflammation near the Achilles tendon. Incorrectly fitted shoes or excessive running most likely causes this as it strains the back of the heel, and is pain that develops slowly overtime. Some symptoms may show bumps on the back of the heel or pain that erupts when exercising commences.
- Treatment for this includes resting and not participating in activities likely to aggravate the area (running). Stretching is suggested, as well as anti-inflammatory creams, and correctly fitted shoes.
- Seeking assistance from Dr George Hardas when symptoms are first felt is crucial in order to prevent chronic illness from developing, and he can advise you if you need to be assessed by other health professionals.
