Heel pain is a common problem with various origins. However, there are suitable treatments and effective prevention methods.

Most often, heel pain manifests itself in one foot with severe pain when walking, when the heel touches the ground. It is most often felt in the back or under the heel, where the weight of the body rests. Depending on the cause at the origin of the pain, it can be more intense when getting out of bed and decrease after a few minutes of walking or, on the contrary, persist throughout the day.

Remember that the heel is made up of two bones, the talus and the calcaneus. The latter is the largest of the 26 bones in the foot. The two heel bones are the anchor point for several tendons and ligaments, such as the Achilles tendon for example.

There are several causes that can cause heel pain. These are mainly causes called “biomechanical”, that is to say they affect the bone, ligaments or muscles of the foot. Let us quote:

Plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciitis

Plantar fascia (or plantar aponeurosis) is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes to support the arch of the foot. We talk about plantar fasciitis when the fascia is inflamed, torn or ruptured. It is the most common cause of heel pain.

The heel spur or Lenoir’s thorn

The heel spur is an outgrowth of the heel bone, the calcaneus, where the plantar fascia inserts. Its onset may be the direct consequence of plantar fasciitis, but can also occur in people who exercise intensively, who are obese or who regularly wear high heels.

Sever’s disease

In children, during growth, the conjugation cartilage (or growth plate) on which the Achilles tendon is attached at the level of the heel bone (calcaneus) may become inflamed. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children and especially those who are very active or play a lot of sports. Sever’s disease can affect one or both feet.

Bone fracture

Heel pain can also be a sign of a bone fracture. In this case, only an X-ray can establish the formal diagnosis.

Crevasses

Heel cracks are caused by dry skin on the foot. They are fairly common and not serious, but can lead to infections over time.

Certain factors can increase the risk of these conditions appearing and therefore heel pain:

• flat feet or on the contrary very hollow;
• legs of unequal length;
• a lack of musculature in the foot;
• obesity;
• wearing the wrong shoes and in particular when playing sports;
• or an excessive practice of sport or an excessively sudden increase in the intensity of training.

If heel pain is not taken into account and treated, the pain can worsen and become disabling to the point of preventing walking and standing.

Heel pain can be temporarily relieved by taking over-the-counter pain relievers or by applying ice to the area for about XNUMX minutes. When pain occurs, it is also best to limit walking and pressure on the heel by avoiding standing.

If pain and other symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, a feeling of heat persist, it is recommended that you contact your doctor. In particular, the doctor may order an X-ray to determine the exact cause of the pain. The doctor will then suggest an appropriate treatment depending on the cause of the pain:

• an anti-inflammatory;
• wearing a brace (especially at night) to stretch the foot;
• wearing suitable insoles;
• physiotherapy sessions;
• wearing silicone gel heels in shoes or orthopedic insoles;
• moisturizers for crevices;
• or even surgery.

For overweight or obese people, it is recommended to lose weight to limit the pressure on the heel.