Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

(Information below are courtesy of the Pedorthic Association of Canada)

heel pain




Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is one the most common problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthists.

Causes include:

Poor foot mechanics
Being overweight
Low activity levels
Improper footwear
Aging
Unfavorable ground conditions
Common Heel Conditions
Common heel conditions include:

Plantar Fasciitis


One of the most common heel problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthists, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia (a thick fibrous tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, supporting the arch). Poor foot posture or excessive ankle motion during walking can strain the plantar fascia resulting in small tears and increased tension where the fascia attaches to the calcaneus (heel).


Symptoms:

Pain and swelling (inflammation) at the beginning of the arch or bottom of the heel
Often the pain is worse with the first few steps after rising in the morning or after sitting

Calcaneal Stress Fracture


Calcaneal stress fracture of the heel is usually a result of some sort of trauma but can also result from increased activity done improperly.

Symptoms:

Total avoidance of weight-bearing

 

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis (Achilles bursitis)

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa (balloon-like lubricating sack) that lies between the Achilles tendon and the back of the heel bone (calcaneus).

Symptoms:

Tenderness at the back of the heel just above where the Achilles tendon attaches
Swelling of the bursa produces symmetric widening of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneus (heel)
Pain increases with passive dorsiflexion (bending the foot towards the front of the leg) of the ankle or when standing on toes


Achilles Tendonopathy

Achilles tendonopathy is an injury to the Achilles tendon just above the heel on the back of the leg. This condition may be due to abnormal or excessive strain on the tendon from poor shock absorption or excessive foot pronation.

 

Symptoms:

Pain, swelling, and possible nodule formation along the Achilles tendon or where it is attached to the back of the calcaneus (heel)
Stiffness may be present after sitting or resting

 


Pedorthic treatment may include:


Foot and lower limb exam
Custom-made foot orthotic or over-the-counter device
Recommendation of appropriate and proper-fitting footwear
Modification of footwear

 


Pedorthic Pointers for Patients


To prevent and alleviate heel pain, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend:

Carefully and slowly increasing activity to allow the tissues of the lower limbs time to properly adapt
Wearing stable shoes with sturdy heel counters (the back of the shoe) to control motion and provide shock absorption
When injury does occur, consult a Canadian Certified Pedorthist to determine if an over-the-counter device or a custom-made foot orthotic, along with appropriate footwear, will help the healing process and prevent the recurrence of problems
Avoid going barefoot or just wearing socks while injured as poor foot mechanics can aggravate the injury further if not controlled
Icing and simple calf stretching can help alleviate pain associated with heel pain. Patients should ice the affected area for approximately eight minutes, three times a day.
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should talk to your doctor or book an appointment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist directly for pedorthic management including orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection guidance and orthotics.