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‘Why do I have heel pain?’ you ask. There are many different causes of heel pain, and this type of pain is very common amongst our patients. But if you are able to figure out why you’re experiencing this pain, then you’re one step closer to knowing how to treat it.
We have discussed Plantar Fasciitis in an earlier blog, and how it contributes to pain in the heel and arch. So, let’s take a look at some other possible causes that exclude injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
Weight Gain
Significant weight gain (not just a few kilos) can put a lot of pressure on your feet, causing your feet to feel sore and tender after walking for long periods of time.
Bursitis
Your feet have tiny little fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which help cushion your joints and allow you to easily move around. Sometimes, these sacs can swell and cause your heel to feel tender and bruised. This swelling is often aggravated after spending a lot of time on your feet.
Achilles Tendinitis
Pain, swelling, and stiffness near the back of the heel are symptoms of Achilles tendinitis. It is a common condition amongst athletes who overuse or strain their Achilles tendon (a tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone). With this condition, the tendon becomes inflamed, and this inflammation is what triggers the pain.
Calcaneal Apophysitis (CA)
If your child or teen is experiencing excessive heel pain and mild swelling of the heel after sports, then it’s possible that they could have calcaneal apophysitis (CA). Better known as Sever’s disease, CA is due to the inflammation of the heel growth plate. Rapid growth spurts can lead to the onset of this condition, as well as repetitive strain from running or jumping.
The good news is that most of these conditions, when in mild form, can easily be treated without extensive measures such as surgery. But if you’re unsure about the severity of your condition, you can always book a consult and have an assessment to put your mind at ease. This will assist in knowing what course of treatment you should take.
