Why Does Your Heel Hurt?
Posted on: 13 June 2022
Heel pain is a common cause of foot pain, and it keeps many people off their feet. Whether you are unable to work or you are taking pain medication to get through the pain day after day, you need to know the cause of your pain so you can get the right treatment.
Heel pain can be caused by a variety of painful conditions and injuries. These are some of the likely causes of your heel pain.
Infection
Infection is not common in the heel, but it does happen. You may experience an infection of the heel or the ankle that causes nerve, muscle, or bone pain. The infection needs to be diagnosed and treated right away so that you can get antibiotics and other medications to fight this infection.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the tissue in the arch of your feet. This tissue connects your toes to your heel, and swelling can feel like it is in your heel. You might notice a feeling like something is stabbing your foot, and the pain may grow worse when you actually put weight on your foot.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture can leave you with more pain you would expect, especially if you have experienced an injury while exercising. Any kind of repeated action can cause stress that leaves you in serious pain next time you try to do any sort of exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis
This condition is a type of inflammation that impacts your Achilles tendon, which is the tissue attaching your heel to your calf. Swelling of this tendon may cause your tendon to tighten up, making walking more difficult. You might feel very stiff because your muscles have been overused due to exercise, especially if you have arthritis.
Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve — a symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome and other conditions — can also cause heel pain. When you have a pinched nerve, the heel pain may feel like a shock or pulse running from one end of your foot to the other. The pain may begin at the toes and become more intense at the heel when you try to step.
Talk to Your Orthopedist
An orthopedist can help you manage your heel pain and receive the diagnosis you deserve. You can work through the pain by getting treatment that actually works. Make an orthopedic appointment today to learn more.
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