8 May 2018
 Categories: , Blog

One of the characteristics of ageing is developing a host of aches and pains due to the progressive wear and tear of your body. While some of these discomforts may have a clear, some may seem to manifest on their own accord. One of the aches that most people suffer from and are unaware of why they have developed this problem is heel pain.

The main reason why the average person typically overlooks heel pain is that their foot does absorb a high degree of stress from the forces it is exposed to from the moment they get up in the morning. Thus, it is not surprising that people tend to assume the pain will dissipate on its own eventually. And while this may happen with some forms of heel pain, other issues may require the attention of a podiatrist.

Below are some of the emblematic causes of heel pain that should prompt you to seek professional help.

Achilles heel

This condition is medically referred to as Achilles tendinitis. It develops when you expose your Achilles tendon to excessive strain, which leads to debilitating pain from the inflammation. Achilles heel will typically afflict individuals who forget to warm up their muscles before engaging in strenuous exercise such as running. Take note that severe cases of Achilles heel are characterised by tears in the tendon. Therefore, it is advisable to have a podiatrist examine the injury and recommend the appropriate course of action so that you can get back on your feet.

Heel bursitis

Bursae refer to fluid sacs located in your joints and function to provide a degree of cushioning to your muscles, bones and tendons. Therefore, heel bursitis comes about when the bursae in your feet have been exposed to trauma, which leads to severe inflammation of the fluid sacs. Heel bursitis can significantly limit your mobility if not addressed, so it is compelling to determine if this is the cause of your heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Another common reason why you may develop heel pain is when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is another tendon that is located in your heel and is vital for the mobility of your foot. When the plantar fascia has been hurt, you will experience shooting pains from the heel to the toes of your feet. Additionally, you will find it challenging to place your foot flat on the ground as the arch will also be affected by inflammation. Individuals that develop plantar fasciitis on a regular basis should consult with their podiatrist on whether they require custom arch support for their feet.