Definition of Heel Pain

In adults heel pain is one of the most common types of foot pain. It most often occurs as a result of the stress from daily activities and exercise. The heel bone (also known as the Calcaneus Bone) is the largest bone in the foot and it is the first part of the foot to strike the ground when you take a step. Perhaps the most common reason for heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis which is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia (a wide fibrous band of tissue on "the sole" of the foot that runs from the heel to the base of the toes). While this may indeed be the most typical reason for heel pain, there are a number of other foot conditions which may also cause heel pain.

Possible Causes of Heel Pain

* Abnormal Heel Bone - (an irregularly shaped heel bone).

* Achilles Tendinitis - (an inflammation of the Achilles Tendon that runs down the back of the heel).

* Bruising - (trauma resulting from hitting the heel against a hard object).

* Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment - (entrapment or "pinching" of the Medial Recurrent Calcaneal Nerve that runs from the ankle and under the foot to the inward portion of the heel).

* Calcaneal Stress Fracture - (a fracture of the Calcaneus or "the heel bone").

* Medial Calcaneal Neuroma - (an irritation and enlargement of the inward portion of the heel).

* Excessive Standing - (standing for extended periods of time may result in heel pain).

* Excessive Weight (Obesity) - Too much weight on the foot from either obesity or pregnancy may be factors.

* Gout - (a form of Arthritis which causes inflammation and painful joints). With Gout there is a build-up of Uric Acid which is a chemical in the body that aids in the breaking down and building up of food and body tissues. Uric Acid is normally dissolved in the blood. When this fails to happen the Uric Acid builds up and forms microscopic crystals in the joints. This accumulation of microscopic crystals leads to a painful inflammation known as Gout.

* Improperly Fitted Footwear - Wearing shoes that are too tight and do not provide the appropriate foot arch support or allow for the proper range of motion of the entire foot may be a contributing factor. Sudden switches in footwear (such as abruptly changing from high heels to flats or boots to athletic shoes, etc) may also bring on heel pain.

* Increased Physical Activity - A sudden increase in physical activity may bring on this condition.

* Inflammatory Bursitis - (an inflammation of the Bursa). The Bursae are small fluid sacs which contain a lubricating fluid. Their job is to act as shock absorbers and to allow stress free movement between the body structures. They are located in the body between areas of high friction such as the bottom of the heel of the foot (to act as a cushion between the heel of the foot and the floor and other objects outside of the body), and between the bone and other soft tissue structures inside the body such as the tendons, muscles, and skin. Bursitis is the swelling or inflammation of the Bursa Sac which is caused by constant trauma or overuse of the affected body part. When this condition occurs in the foot Over-Pronation ("Flat Feet") is usually the leading cause. It is most often found at the heel of the foot, at the back of the heel bone, underneath the metatarsal heads (the location where the base of the toes connect with the "ball of the foot", and at the Bunion Joint (near the "Big Toe").

* Over-Pronation - ("Flat Feet") - Is a leading cause of heel pain. With Over-Pronation, during walking the arch of the foot collapses under the pressure of the weight being placed on the foot. The collapse of the foot arch causes the Plantar Fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone where it is attached.

* Reiter's Syndrome - (a type of Arthritis which causes pain, swelling and redness in the joints).

* Rheumatoid Arthritis - (a severe form of Arthritis which causes pain, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints).

* Sciatica - (entrapment or "pinching" of the Sciatic Nerve at the point where the nerve runs from the hip down through the leg and to the foot can cause heel pain).

* Sever's Disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis - (a common condition in the early teen years caused by an inability of the body's blood supply to keep up with the demands of the growing plate of the Calcaneus Bone or "Heel Bone"). The pain that occurs is often a deep ache or soreness at the corner portion of the heel. This condition tends to be aggravated by activities that involve running.

* Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - (similar to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the wrist). This is a rare condition involving the ankle that is often mistaken for other foot conditions). With this condition, the Posterior Tibial Nerve is injured due to excessive pressure inside the Tarsal Tunnel (This is the pathway through which the nerve runs. It is located behind the ankle bone toward the inside portion of the ankle). Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is usually associated with a radiating type of pain running up or down the leg and/or foot.

Symptoms of Heel Pain

Depending upon which type of foot condition you have and the length of time you have been experiencing it heel pain varies in severity. You may experience a burning sensation, deep pain, numbness, tingling or any combination of these sensations. Your pain may also be accompanied by heat, redness or swelling. The discomfort/pain may be more severe either first thing in the morning upon rising when weight is placed on the foot or after a long rest. You may also find that discomfort/pain can often be more intense after an increase in physical activity.

Possible Solutions for Heel Pain

We at Hawley Lane Shoes believe that wearing shoes that are too tight will inhibit the natural motion of the foot. Proper range of motion of the foot combined with proper arch support will help to optimize the health and the biomechanics of the entire foot.

For example, over the past 10 years we have received positive feedback from an abundance of customers who suffered from heel pain. These individuals have shared with us that they have experienced significant relief after wearing clogs, sandals, and shoes that provided their feet with proper support. As a matter of fact, many people notice almost instant relief once they have slipped on a pair of shoes that provide the proper support and allow for the proper range of motion of the foot.