Heel Pain
Experiencing heel pain? You are not alone, it affects 10% of people during course of lifetime. Our annual and national campaign Pods Heal Heels aims to help those suffering.
This pain is common
It is estimated that over 2 million people each year receive treatment for heel pain. It is the most common foot disorder encountered by podiatrists (college of podiatry), reported to occur in 15% of all adult complaints requiring a visit to podiatrist.
” If you’re suffering with HEAL PAIN Podiatry is the answer “
#podshealheels
Who gets heel pain?
Heel pain affects anyone. From 8 to 80 years old, but generally it is observed in those over 40 years of age. It is prevalent in athletic & non-athletic populations. Heel pain not gender specific and is bilateral (both feet) in up to a third of cases. Young children can get it especially those who are active and sporty. Adults who enjoy running and high impact sports and those whose occupations require them to be on their feet for long periods are susceptible. As we age, the soft tissue within the heel can degenerate leading to heel pain.
What is the structure within the heel that can be injured?
The heel consists of bone (calcaneus) and soft tissue structures that attach to the bone including tendons, fascia, ligament.
How is it caused?
Degeneration of the soft tissue is the most common cause and in particular leads to Plantar heel Pain syndrome PHPS (commonly called Plantar Fasciitis). This is especially common amongst runners and those who stand for long periods at work.
Plantar heel pain syndrome
PHPS is a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory condition, and affects 10% of the population and 15% of all foot related complaints being seen by medical staff. 10% of all runners experience plantar pain and most common in those who run long distances.
Other diagnosis include
- Baxter’s Nerve
- Heel spur
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fat Pad Contusion
- Distal Tear
- Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
What can help heel pain
Treatment from a podiatrist will be tailor-made for each patient but likely to include advice, taping, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, shockwave therapy, steroid injection therapy, night splints.
What sort of appointment do I need?
At an initial MSK appointment, we will assess joint range of movement, tendon and muscle strength and ligament flexibility so that we can see what part of the heel is injured/painful.