If just one little part of your body has a problem, it can affect every other part of your body, causing constant pain and discomfort. If you suffer with heel pain, this probably sounds very familiar! There are many reasons you may be having heel pain – but what can you do about it?
What are some common causes of heel pain?
There can be many reasons why your heels hurt – here are just a few possibilities:
• Achilles tendinitis. This usually presents as pain in the back of the leg or above the heel. It can be caused by strain on the Achilles tendon, which connects your heel bone and your calf muscles. Achilles tendinitis can be treated by avoiding activities that may put too much stress on your tendons, such as running up hills. You can also take the time to stretch carefully before and after exercise to keep the tendon flexible. And, make sure you are wearing shoes that give you enough cushioning and support.
• Plantar fasciitis. This is a very common cause of heel pain and is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs around the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It results in a stabbing pain. Avoid exercise that places a lot of stress on your heel, such as aerobic dance and long-distance running.
• Stress fractures. These are tiny cracks in bone that are caused by repetitive force. Stress fractures may result from activities such as running long distances. They may be the result of a sudden change from being sedentary to being very active. You may not even notice stress fractures at first, but they usually get worse over time. You may start to notice tenderness and swelling at spots where there are stress fractures.
As you can see, there are many reasons why your heels may be hurting – and these are just a few of them. If the pain in your heels and feet is unbearable, Sports Occupational and Knee Surgery in San Antonio, TX, can determine why you are having the pain and how to help. Call (210) 696-9000 today!
