Heel Pain

What Causes Heel Pain?

There are several things which cause heel pain.  Careful assessment by Pure Physio Albany to tell them apart is crucial to planning management and speeding you to recovery.

Common Causes of Pain in heels

Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of pain at the bottom of the heel is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs where a tight ficrous band called fascia becomes irritated and tight.  This pain can be felt anywhere in the bottom of  the foot but often the heel.

Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel and often gets irritated by a jarring movement or overuse.  This pain is usually felt on top of the heel bone

Heel Spur

Plantar fasciitis can develop into a bony spur (calcaneal spur).  This happens when the plantar fasciitis isn’t dealt with in a timely fashion.  Heel spurs are more common in people with flat feet

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

A Bursa is a normal fluid filled sac which stops muscles rubbing on bone.  Bursitis is when bursa becomes inflamed.  In particular, retrocalcaneal bursitis is common. It can cause pain in between your Achilles tendon, and heel.

Os Trigonim

Pain just above the heel can also be associated with conditions where pinching happens at the back of the ankle.  This is common in dancers, gymnasts and athletes.  It can be managed well by physiotherapy

Stress Fracture

Bone injuries such as a fracture can occur from a trauma such as a fall from a height onto your heel. Athletes, especially runners and landing sports, can also suffer overload fractures known as a calcaneal stress fracture.

Children’s sore heels

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a  terrible name for a condition.  It has nothing to do with severing things but was discovered by a Dr. Sever.  It commonly causes pain in the heels of growing, active kids .

Referred Sources

It is important to have you in thoroughly assessed to ensure an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Pain in the heel can also be referred by a pinched nerve in your lower back eg sciatica. This can be tricky to diagnose and requires the professional opinion of an experienced spinal health care practitioner such as your physiotherapist.

Who Suffers Heel Pain?

Anyone can suffer from pain at the back of the foot, but certain groups seem to be at increased risk, including:

• People in their 40s and 50s
• Repetitive activities like running and jumping sports
• Obese ppl
• Pregnant women
• People who stand for long periods of time.

Call (09 4481277) or book online here  effsae if you are struggling with a sore heel