Heel pain is a real problem in the UK with a huge amount of people suffering from it every year. We’re providing the information below to help you pinpoint a condition that you might have. It is crucial that you go to a podiatrist to get the condition checked, if you try to treat it yourself, you may end up causing more damage.
Top 10 causes of heel pain in the UK
Chronic inflammation of the heel pad – heavy footsteps or a thinning of the heel pad can cause this common condition, it can result in constant heel pain and discomfort.
Heel bumps – quite common in teenagers when the heel bone has not fully developed and rubs a lot. This rubbing can result in too much bone growth resulting in the bumps. It can also be caused by having flat feet, or, typically in females, by wearing high heels before the bone has had time to fully mature.
Bone cyst – a single cavity filled with fluid in the heel bone.
Sever’s disease – common in children and adults, this is caused by repetitive trauma of the growth plate of the heel bone. Children aged 7-15 are most affected.
Heel bursitis – an inflamed bursa at the back of the heel can cause a fair amount of discomfort. This fluid-filled sack can be damaged by landing hard or awkwardly on the heel. It can also be due to the pressure from ill-fitting footwear. Pain is normally felt deep inside the heel and the pain will likely get worse throughout the day.
Morton’s neuroma – a nerve in the ball of your foot can swell, pain is usually felt in the base of the second and third toes, but it can be felt in all areas of the foot including the heel.
Stress fracture – a fracture of the bone caused by repetitive stress over time. Usually, a stress fracture is caused by sport, exercise or heavy work. Runners, for instance, are particularity prone to get them, they can also be caused osteoporosis.
Achilles tendon rupture – the tendon located behind the ankle can rupture.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome – a nerve located in the back of your foot can become pinched or trapped. This type of compression that can occur either in the foot or in the ankle and cause heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis – a strong ligament that runs the length of your foot from your toes to the heel. This ligament can stretch too far and become inflamed. This inflammation is likely to flare up around the heel although it can be felt in the middle part of your foot. You’ll experience pain on the bottom of your foot, normally after long periods of rest.
These are just a few of the most common things that can affect the heel of your foot; there are plenty of other conditions that may be causing your heel pain. If you would like our help with discovering whether of not you have one of the conditions mentioned above, then please get in touch. We can examine your foot and then help you get the treatment you need to get back on your feet.