5 Common Causes of Heel Pain
It is easy to overlook the importance of your feet until something goes amiss or you are in discomfort and cannot move as usual. Feet discomfort could render it hard to get around and do all the things you want to do. If you are struggling with heel pain, you are not alone, as millions of Americans deal with this issue yearly. However, learning you are not alone will not resolve your pain. From nerve and tendon damage to wearing ill-fitting shoes, there are numerous possible causes of Glen Burnie heel pain. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a sturdy ligament running from your heel bone to the tip of your foot. Once the fascia becomes overly stretched, its fibers swell, causing discomfort. The discomfort typically develops where the ligament links to the heel bone, but you could also feel it in the middle of your feet.
Active adults are more likely to suffer this issue, particularly if they are runners or have occupations requiring long-standing hours. Besides, pregnant women and obese or overweight persons are also at greater risk of plantar fasciitis as the added weight places stress on your ligament.
2. Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is a tissue band that links the calf muscle to the heel bones, used when walking, running, jumping, or pushing up on the toes. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse trauma, often developed in weekend warriors or runners who have increased the duration or intensity of their workouts.
Once stretched beyond its usual range, your Achilles tendon suffers several microscopic tears. It weakens, thinkers, and becomes sore at the back of your heel. You might also experience limited motion range as you flex the foot.
3. Heel Bursitis
Heel bursitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bursa, the fibrous, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel, which cushions the muscles, ligaments, and bone. The swelling could also result from repeated irritation caused by landing on your heels, or excessive pressure applied on your heel by shoes.
You may experience discomfort deep within the heel or at the back, and occasionally, the tendon might swell. The discomfort typically worsens as you get on with your day.
4. Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is a prevalent cause of heel discomfort in kids and teenage athletes, induced by micro-injuries to your heel plate during a development spurt. The heel bone develops faster than the leg’s ligaments; thus, the tendons and muscles get overstretched and tight.
The heel is especially vulnerable to trauma because the foot is among the first body parts to develop to complete size, and the heel is not quite flexible. As it finishes developing, the back of the heel strengthens and hardens.
5. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that result in a bony protrusion on the foot of the heel bone. Heel spurs frequently stem from ligament and muscle strains, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repetitive tears of the heel bone membrane. This condition is quite prevalent in athletes whose actions entail lots of jumping and running.
Many people ignore heel pain and continue with routine activities that worsen the condition. However, it is vital to allow your body enough time to recover. Otherwise, you might develop persistent heel pain that sidelines you for a long. The longer you overlook your heel pain, the harder it is to treat it efficiently. Your specialist will determine what is triggering your pain. Based on your condition, your practitioner may suggest noninvasive treatments, including pain medications, and stretching exercises, and suggest orthotics, if necessary. However, if the issue does not resolve with conservative therapy, your doctor may suggest surgery.