The function of the heel is to maintain the curve of the foot and cushion the impact to this area whenever we make any movements. Generally, when we experience heel pain, it is due to overburdening, which created tension in the bones and the tissues that comprise it. However, there are conditions that can cause pain, such as spurs, plantar fasciitis or bursitis, which are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling or stiffness. Rarely, heel pain is due to injuries, and painful areas might be in the lower, posterior or upper part of the heel. In OneHowTo we will give you some answers to why my heels hurt.
Some of the general causes for heel pain include:
- Running frequently
- Using improper footwear
- Running on hard surfaces
- Sudden movements
- Stiffness in the calf or Achilles tendon
On the other hand there are some conditions like plantar fasciitis that can also cause heel pain. This condition is due to inflammation of the fascia, a tissue that run from the toes along the base of the foot and to the heel. This is most common in sportsmen aged between 40 and 70 years old. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sensitivity in the foot and a sudden pain, which becomes stronger in the morning or after performing physical activity. Physical tests should be carried out to determine the cause of inflammation and X-rays should also be taken in order to rule out other associated problems.
The heel spur is due to plantar fasciitis and it is a heel bone formation, resulting from overexertion of muscles and ligaments of the foot. Having flat feet, obesity and spending too much time standing or walking, can trigger this condition. Its main symptom is a sharp pain in the heel, which can limit the performance of everyday tasks.
Bursitis is the swelling of a fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, which is responsible for cushioning the bones, muscles and tendons. This condition is caused by overburdening of the heel, due to a change in the level of training, obesity or diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. This can also occur in other joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow or hip. Besides heel pain bursitis includes other symptoms like swelling or redness and sensitivity on applying any pressure on the affected joint.
If you feel pain in the heel area for over three weeks, visit a chiropodist who will give you an accurate diagnosis and get to the root of the cause. Whatever the reason for pain, there are some precautions you can take at home with the aim of reducing pain and inflammation:
- Use proper footwear for exercise
- Use insoles to cushion the heel
- Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend crutches to reduce weight on the feet
- Place ice on the affected area twice a day for 10 or 15 minutes
- Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain
- Rest for at least a week
- Warm up and stretch before any exercise
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Why do my Heels Hurt, we recommend you visit our Family health category.