The bone in your heel is the largest bone in your foot. This bone has an important job to do –to support the rest of your body. With so much weight pressing onto your feet, it’s important that they’re in top condition –and able to provide proper support to the rest of your body.
There are many causes for heel pain, a number of which can be serious. Here are four of the more common causes of heal pain.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is a strong band that can often become irritated or swollen, when this occurs, this condition is called plantar fasiitis. With plantar fasciitis, you might experience the worst pain first thing in the morning as well as arch pain.
2. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs occur when there is an abnormal growth on the bottom of the heel bone. Heel spurs are caused from ill-fitting footwear, or continuous activities such as running. Those with flat feet or high arches are more susceptible to heel spurs.
3. Stone Bruise
A stone bruise is the bruising of the heel or the ball of the foot. It generally occurs when there is an impact injury. The pain is often described as a persistent pain that feels as if you are stepping on something hard, such as a stone. Stone bruising requires rest and icing.
4. Fracture
A fracture of the heel bone is the most commonly fractured bone in the foot, much like a stone bruise, the fracture is most commonly caused by a collision accident such as falling or a car accident, but it is possible to fracture the bone after an extreme workout or something similar. In most causes you will have heel pain, bruising, swelling and difficulty walking.
If you are experiencing heel –or foot pain in Houston, contact Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.
Image: happyfeet34
Tags: Foot Care, Heel, Prevention