Our heels are the first area of the foot to hit the ground when walking or running. They meet the ground with considerable force and have to absorb impact on rough, uneven terrain and provide a firm support for our body weight. Pain in the heel can be very disabling and can go on to affect posture and lead to pain in other joints. ie: hips and knees.
Heel Conditions
- Heel Spur or Plantarfasciitis
- Heel Bursitis
- Heel Bumps
Heel Spurs or Plantarfasciitis. Pain is classically in a deep localised spot in or around the middle of the sole of the heel,with no visible features. Pain is usually worst on first stepping out of bed in the morning and eases off once more mobile. It is often associated with a deep spur of bone on the heel bone (calcaneus).
Heel Bursitis. A bursa is a sac of fluid or swelling due to friction. Pain can be felt at the back of the heel when the ankle joint is moved and the swelling can be on both sides of the Achilles tendon. There may also be pain deep inside the heel as it hits the ground during walking.
Heel bumps. These are firm,bony bumps at the back of the heel ,often with blister formation.This is due to friction from footwear and often combined with an underlying foot deformity.
Treatments
Heel Spurs or Plantar fasciitis can be eased by supporting the ligaments in the arch of the foot. This can be done by padding and strapping or Sale Podiatry can advise on supportive insoles or Orthotics. These will help in the long term by assisting the foot to function more effectively,and so reducing strain on the ligaments and preventing the recurrence of the condition.
A course of deep heat therapy may be prescribed or referral for localised cortisone injection therapy. Heel Bursitis and Heel Bumps respond well with adjustments to footwear and the provision of corrective insoles or Orthotics.