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Heel pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are several common causes . This foot problem affects adults of all ages. The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in your foot and over-use and repetitive stress to your heel bone will produce soreness resulting from too much impact on a specific area of the foot. As the first part of the foot to make contact when walking, it’s not surprising that heel sustains undue stress due to:
- Injury
- Bruising or other activities
- Wearing improper footwear
- Being overweight
Heel Pain is typically the result of abnormalities in the biomechanics of the feet. The two structures associated with heel pain are the plantar fasciia, a band of fibrous connective tissue and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle, which supports the arch and flexes your four small toes. Generally the foot functions by absorbing the weight of the body and the arch of the foot flattening. The plantar fasciia and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle stabilize the foot and sustain the arch. Inflammation and pain to the surrounding structures of the heel are a direct result of gait abnormalities. Heel pain is most prevalent in:
- Active people
- Those over the age of forty
- Those who are overweight
- Women
- Those who ear poorly fitting footwear
The diagnosis for the cause of heel pain may involve a thorough history of symptoms, a physical examination and imaging test such as x-rays or ultrasound. Once a diagnosis is made, regarding the cause of the heel pain a treatment plan will be implemented by your podiatrist.
To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate the heel to transfer pressure. This can be accomplished with a heel cup, heel cradle, or an orthotic designed with materials that will absorb shock and shear forces. Your podiatrist will provide you with the best treatment option for your individual needs.
Phone: (505) 883-6600 |info@angelafootdoctor.com
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“Dr Drury,
I thought I’d drop you a note and thank you again for hanging in there with me to get over my foot issues – primarily the plantar fasciitis. I’ve got great news to report as my husband and I did an extremely difficult hike at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago and my foot was fine (other muscle groups were not quite ready for the level of difficulty). The hike was 9.4 miles with major elevation changes. Over this weekend, we did a 27 mile bike ride in Valle Caldera Preserve and again the foot held up fine. It is so wonderful to be back doing the outdoor activities I enjoy.
Truthfully, I’m also be glad to be wearing my cute shoes again a few days a week.
The APC treatment was amazing, I can’t believe the success I’ve had since having the treatment last November. As you know, I went through the cortisone shots with no success and we were starting to consider surgery. The APC treatment eliminated that need.
Thank you again to you and your staff for the part you played in my recovery. I recommend you and your staff to anyone I meet having foot issues.”
Ann Swancer