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Nov 16, 2007 - Heel PainBack
HEEL PAIN
Definition:
Heel pain is a condition in which weight bearing on the heel causes discomfort.
Cause:
There are three different categories of heel pain. The first is caused by over-use repetitive stress causing a soreness resulting from too much impact on a specific area of the foot. This condition is often referred to as heel pain syndrome, or bruised heel syndrome. It can be caused by shoes with heels that are too low, a thinned out fat pad in the heel area, or from a sudden increase in activity.
Plantar Fasciitis is another cause and diagnosis of heel pain. This is usually caused from a biomechanical problem, such as over-pronation. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel through the midfoot and into the forefoot. Over-pronation can cause the plantar fascia to be excessively stretched and inflamed, resulting in pain in the heel and arch areas of the foot. Often the pain will be most intense first thing in the morning or after a prolonged period of rest. The pain will gradually subside with activity and as the day progresses.
The third type of heel pain is called Sever’s disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis) and is seen in young growing children, between the ages of 8 and 13, more often in boys than girls. The pain is located around the whole part of the heel bone including the back, sides and sole areas. Often there is no pain in the morning and the pain in contrast to plantar fasciitis is aggravated by activity and improved by rest. This condition is seen in children who are very active and show signs of rapid growth spurts. One theory is that this leads to a slower muscle / tendon growth placing a strain on the bone to which they attach causing a pain from the growth plate areas. The condition is often mis-diagnosed and put down as growing pains.
Treatment & Prevention:
The good news is that most heel pain, irrespective of cause, is treatable with conservative (non surgical) methods very effectively. Furthermore all three types of heel pain are usually treated in the same way.
To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and in some cases elevate the heel to transfer pressure. This can be accomplished with a well-designed prescription foot orthotic.
A stretching program, proper footwear, modified activity and at times, therapy are effective treatment plans. Night Splints can also be effective.
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