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Main Causes of Heel Pain
When it comes to body ailments, heel pain is one of the worst things that someone can experience daily. It’s estimated that over 2 million Americans experience some kind of heel pain annually. That’s right, when you are suffering from heel pain, you are not the only one. Millions of people suffer from heel pain every day as it welcomes them the moment they get out of bed, when at work, during exercise at the gym, and even through times with loved ones they should be enjoying. Heel pain can make doing simple daily tasks unbearable, and spurs the questions:
- “Why are you experiencing this pain?”
- “Will my heel pain & discomfort go away?”
- “Why am I enduring constant heel pain?”
- “What can you do about the heel pain & discomfort I am experiencing?”
Causes of Heel Pain
The truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than answering a simple question. Only trained and certified specialists can get down to the bottom of your ankle pain. Various foot and heel conditions cause intolerable heel pain. Unfortunately, the discomfort in this region is almost never the same reason amongst patients. Still, while getting help might seem hopeless, the Doctors at Global Podiatry in Chicago & Wheeling, IL is here to find a solution to your discomfort. Keep reading to discover the different reasons for heel pain and how we can treat it.
What Are the Underlying Causes of Heel Pain?
Before jumping into the different causes, let’s discuss the different things we do each day that may contribute to pain in the heel, every case of discomfort in the heels is unique to the patient.
No two people have the same feet mechanics and structure when it comes to the feet. For example, some feet are better at absorbing shock and protecting the heels from strain, while others do not. Someone with flat feet is at more risk of developing heel pain than someone with a healthy arch.
Hobbies and Sports
Are you putting high amounts of stress on your feet and ankles by running, dancing, or playing sports daily? High impact activities without proper rest times will lead to heel pain. You must take adequate breaks and have constant check-ups with your board-certified podiatrist at Global Podiatry.
Obesity
More than 160 million Americans are overweight or obese, and its connection to heel pain is quite obvious. The heavier you are, the more strain you are putting on your heels every time you take a step.
What Conditions Cause Heel Aches & Pain
Now that you are aware of some of the different causes of heel pain, it’s time to talk about the conditions and diagnoses. Heel pain isn’t just one condition. When you visit your podiatrist, they will discover the reason for your ankle pain and provide the proper treatment.
This condition is widespread among active individuals. Repetitive strain aggravates the Achilles tendon, leading to pain, tenderness, and stiffness at the back of the heel.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This ailment is generally found in the spine, causing vertebrae to fuse. But the pain can stem down and affect the heels as well.
Bursitis
When small sacs of fluid designed to provide cushioning and lubrication, known as bursae, are damaged, the heels can become painful and swollen.
Chronic Inflammation Constant inflammation in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis and inflammation of the fibrous tissue along the bottom of the foot connecting to the heel bone.
Inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning
These, especially in the ankle, are often caused by serious accidents such as falling from a great height, a car accident, or a work mishap. However, smaller stress fractures from overuse can cause moderate pain as well.
Gout
An advanced form of arthritis, gout typically affects the big toe. While the toes are compromised, intense strain can be put on the ankle at times, causing pain.
Heel Spurs – Calcaneal Spurs
A calcaneal spur, or commonly known as a heel spur, occurs when a bony outgrowth forms on the heel bone. Calcaneal spurs can be located at the back of the heel (dorsal heel spur) or under the sole (plantar heel spur). The dorsal spurs are often associated with achilles Tendinopathy, while spurs under the sole are associated with Plantar fasciitis
Osteochondrosis
Abnormal growth, injury, or overuse of the developing growth plate.
Osteomyelitis
Inflammation can result from an infection somewhere in the body that spreads to the bone or can result from an injury.
Joint pain from reactive arthritis can be located in the heel alongside the feet, knees, back, and ankles.
Sever’s Disease
Caused by irritation and inflammation in the growth plate of the heel.
Sprains / Strains
A sprain or strain in your foot or ankle from contact or overuse typically causes pain in the heel. Strains and sprains may not be noticeable right away, so constant monitoring is essential.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Caused by overuse, trauma, or injury, tarsal tunnel syndrome, common signs of the disease are tingling and burning pain.
How Can You Exchange Constant Heel Pain for a Comfortable and Happy Life?
Heel Pain Treatment Services in Chicago & Wheeling, IL
Heel pain is something that no one should have to live with, but when you find yourself suffering from mind-numbing discomfort on a daily basis, you need answers and solutions immediately. That is where our expert team of podiatrists comes to provide their years of training and expertise.
Not one case of ankle pain is the same in each patient; we understand that every person who comes to our clinic suffers from a unique condition. That is why we treat each patient with the utmost respect and care, providing individual care plans to help them get over constant heel pain and back to living their daily lives with no discomfort. We are the foot, ankle, and heel specialists in Chicago and Wheeling, IL.
Contact Global Podiatry to Treat Heel Pain, with locations in Chicago & Wheeling, IL
Constant pain in your heel should never be overlooked. Are daily tasks becoming unbearable? Are you in so much pain that you don’t even want to leave the bed in the morning? Well, the specialists at Global Podiatry are here to find the best treatment option for you and get you back to normal. Leave your feet in our hands and contact Global Podiatry today!