Why does my heel hurt?
Heel pain is a common issue with multiple possible causes. Let's take a look together at what often causes this problem.
Plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue located under the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is subjected to excessive forces. It can develop in anyone, but it is particularly common in obese individuals, pregnant women, and runners. In runners, plantar fasciitis can occur after a period of intense training or after running longer distances. It typically causes intense pain in the heel and/or along the sole of the foot. This pain often occurs when walking after being seated or lying down for a long time (for example: the first steps upon waking).
Calcaneal spur.
The heel spur is an abnormal growth of bone at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. It is caused by excessive strain on the plantar fascia and the muscles of the foot, particularly in obese individuals, runners, or joggers. Heel spurs may not be the cause of heel pain, even if they are visible on an X-ray. In fact, someone can have a heel spur without experiencing any pain in the heel. However, in other individuals, heel spurs seem to cause pain and tenderness in the heel area.
Bursitis.
A bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa/a sac that surrounds a joint and allows tendons and muscles to move easily when the joint is in motion. At the heel, bursitis can cause pain beneath the heel. This pain often increases when standing for long periods or walking for extended durations. Wearing shoes with little cushioning in the heel can contribute to the development of bursitis.
How long does this pain last?
Most people heal in 6 to 8 weeks, but it also depends on the cause. For example, heel pain related to obesity should improve as you lose weight. If your heel pain is related to playing a sport, a period of rest can certainly speed up the healing process. Once your heel is no longer painful, you will need to gradually resume training to prevent the pain from returning.
What can be done to reduce the pain?
Sometimes, the only necessary interventions are a brief period of rest. The choice of shoes can have a significant effect on heel pain. The difference in thickness between the back and front of your shoe's sole affects the forces exerted on your foot (and thus potentially your pain). I'm not saying you should wear a 15 cm heel; what I mean is that the majority of our patients with heel pain feel better when they wear shoes with a slightly elevated heel of 3 cm. This helps reduce the tension placed on your heel. In addition to that, if the sole of your shoe is thick and soft, there is a good chance that it can further relieve your pain.