Heel pain is usually due to faulty biomechanics in the way we walk. This puts a lot of stress on the heel bone, as well as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding it. Unfortunately there are several different causes of heel pain, but with appropriate treatment the pain associated with each kind can be alleviated.
One of the most common sources of heel pain is caused by heel spurs, which is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Sometimes this spur can extend forward as much as half an inch. This condition happens when the muscles and ligaments of the foot get strained. Often times the long band of tissue connecting the heel and the ball of the foot gets stretched out, and sometimes the lining of the heel bone repeatedly tears. Another frequent cause of heel pain is called plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the band of fibrous connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can become a chronic problem when the plantar fascia is strained beyond its normal extension. This strain results in tearing and stretching, which causes significant pain. Another common cause of heel pain is excessive pronation. In a normal foot, as you walk your weight shifts upward and outward in order to lift the body and move it forward. When a foot pronates excessively, there is too much inward motion that can create an abnormal amount of pulling on the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bottom back of the heel bone, resulting in heel pain. Excessive pronation also contributes to lower back pain, knee pain, and hip pain. Heel pain, although sometimes stubborn and usually unpleasant, is treatable. Often times a series of injections, oral medications, night splints, and custom-molded orthotics that can adjust the biomechanical properties of your feet can help with pain relief.
Make an appointment to see Dr. Dustin or Dr. Spencer in their Encinitas office today, and learn what we can do to end your foot pain.
One of the most common sources of heel pain is caused by heel spurs, which is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Sometimes this spur can extend forward as much as half an inch. This condition happens when the muscles and ligaments of the foot get strained. Often times the long band of tissue connecting the heel and the ball of the foot gets stretched out, and sometimes the lining of the heel bone repeatedly tears. Another frequent cause of heel pain is called plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the band of fibrous connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can become a chronic problem when the plantar fascia is strained beyond its normal extension. This strain results in tearing and stretching, which causes significant pain. Another common cause of heel pain is excessive pronation. In a normal foot, as you walk your weight shifts upward and outward in order to lift the body and move it forward. When a foot pronates excessively, there is too much inward motion that can create an abnormal amount of pulling on the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bottom back of the heel bone, resulting in heel pain. Excessive pronation also contributes to lower back pain, knee pain, and hip pain. Heel pain, although sometimes stubborn and usually unpleasant, is treatable. Often times a series of injections, oral medications, night splints, and custom-molded orthotics that can adjust the biomechanical properties of your feet can help with pain relief.
Make an appointment to see Dr. Dustin or Dr. Spencer in their Encinitas office today, and learn what we can do to end your foot pain.
