Monday, May 19, 2014

What is Causing Your Heel Pain?

Is your heel pain feeling too uncomfortable already? If so, then you need to get it checked and have it treated.  Your feet are heavily used every day and the heels feel pressure when you walk, stand, or do physical exercises. Not getting your heels treated can cause severe problems later on.

But first, what could be causing your heel pain? Yes, pressure can be one, but there’s a possibility that the cause is a heel spur. What is it anyway? Heel spur is caused by an abnormal bone growth on the heel bone and extends to the bottom front of the heel bone. Sometimes, the growth can extend to the side and can form on the plantar fascia ligament.



Other causes of having a heel spur is having an active lifestyle, which makes athletes prone to this. Jogging, jumping, and other strenuous exercises that puts heavy pressure on the heels can cause painful heel spurs. Heavy lifting can be a cause as well. This is because when the heel feels heavy pressure, the body responds by depositing more calcium deposits on the bottom front of the heel bone.

How painful is a heel spur then? The growth itself doesn’t feel a thing. But the pain emanates once it protrudes into the soft tissue of the heel. As a result, the spur becomes inflamed and bruised, which causes the pain. The spur digs into the sensitive tissues and nerves in the area. Pain becomes imminent when the person walks or stands. Pain becomes more severe when the person just rested and then suddenly stands up again, as the pressure was relieved from the heel and then felt again.

People who have heel spurs will feel the discomfort all day long. Even if sitting or lying down brings temporary relief, the heel pain is still there. It is for this reason why sufferers get their heels checked and get it treated right away. But many ask, “Where do I go for heel pain?” Heel treatments are done by podiatrists. They also take care of other foot and ankle ailments.

A podiatrist can recommend a specific treatment depending on the heel problem you have. For a heel spur, depending on the severity, the patient may be asked to wear orthotic shoe inserts or can undergo acupressure treatment to reduce the pain and heal the heel.

However, you must do everything you can to avoid your heel pain from getting worse. Don’t take matters into your own hands and don’t self-prescribe. Find a local foot and ankle clinic right away and consult a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Foot and Ankle Tampa Bay
2204 S Parsons Ave, Brandon, Seffner, FL 33584
813-324-5276

No comments:

Post a Comment