Types of Heel Pain

The circumstances that initiate heel pain generally fall under two categories namely.

• Pain beneath the heel
• Pain behind the heel

Pain Beneath the Heel

Ache that first centers on your heel disturbs the tissues gradually on the bottom of foot and they are termed as ‘Pain beneath the heel'.

(i) Stone bruise:

It is one of the most common heel injuries that cause sharp pain on the heel. While walking on various terrains, you may step-on some harsh things like rock, stone etc. At this juncture, the object bruises (or) rubs the footpad under the heel causing heel pain. This type of pain will be gradually reduced when the foot comes back to rest.

(ii) Plantar Fasciitis:

Plantar fascia is a cord of muscular tissue that links the heel bone to the ball of the foot and the toes. A swelling in the plantar fascia is named as plantar fasciitis. It generally occurs as a result of continuous jumping (or) running without rest, hence disturb the tissue band (plantar fascia). Person who struggles from these troubles can wear heel pad under the heel to reduce inflammation and inflexibility of calf muscles. Wearing an appropriate shoe is quite essential to cure/prevent plantar fasciitis. Important step is to concentrate more on the shoes with a rigid heel with suitable heel height and superior arch and support for comfortable fit.

(iii) Heel Spur:

There are few individuals who get confused with the terminologies ‘Heel spur' and ‘Plantar Fasciitis'. If Plantar Fasciitis persists for a longtime, the calcium deposit in the foot is termed as heel spur. Hence, it causes severe pain in the rear foot, particularly while walking or standing. New types of key treatments to cure heel spurs are stretching exercises and proper shoes. It is preferable to utilize the footwear that posses cushioned heel by the help of a heel cup, heel cradle (or) orthotic is effective to get rid of heel pain. As, Heel cups and cradles promote comfort, heel cushioning and shock absorption as well as it reduces scarp forces formed from daily activities.

Pain Behind the Heel

If ache starts at back of the foot, it means that there are some disturbances caused in the portion of Achilles Tendon inserts into heel bone. This normally occurs for persons wearing footwear that are tight while involving everyday activities like walking, running, jumping etc. This is because, shoes that rub into the rear portion of the heel makes the pain to build up gradually. As a result, redness, swelling in the heel are developed.

Suggestions for best relief:

• Utilize open back shoes and 3/8 or 1/2 heel inserts in footwear reduce this ache.
• Develop a soft, supple bump on back of the heel for comfortable warmness to the touch.
• Achilles Tendon can be stretched by leaning onward against a wall.

If problem persists, non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are useful and consultation with foot specialist is needed at severe damage/pain.