Heel Pain
Heel pain and sore heels is generally the result of a biomechanical abnormality (mechanics of walking) which places too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Heel pain may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being overweight.
A common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome."The heel spur is asymptomatic (not painful) the actual pain arises from plantar fascitis. Plantar fascitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a broad band of tissue that attaches the heel to the toes. Many people with plantar fascitis complain of pain on first rising and after rest. Causes of plantar fascitis include biomechanical problems, inadequate flexibility in the calf muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing activity, and spending too much time on the feet.
A common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome."The heel spur is asymptomatic (not painful) the actual pain arises from plantar fascitis. Plantar fascitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a broad band of tissue that attaches the heel to the toes. Many people with plantar fascitis complain of pain on first rising and after rest. Causes of plantar fascitis include biomechanical problems, inadequate flexibility in the calf muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing activity, and spending too much time on the feet.
Symptoms
- A dull ache is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the center of the
- Heel or on the inside margin of the heel.
- Often the pain is worse on first rising in the morning and after rest.
- It may severely limit activities.
- Aggravated by prolonged weight bearing & thin soled shoes.