Heel Pain a Common Complaint

It is common to hear people complain about heel pain, especially people who are overweight, or who undergo strenuous physical activities. Those who make constant use of their feet (i.e. climbing, running, walking) and women who usually wear high heels are the typical victims of this type of condition. Accurate diagnosis of symptoms of your heel pain is important for you to be able to obtain the right kind of treatment for your problem. Here is some vital information to know about heel pain, so that you know the common causes, as well as symptoms and treatment. Common Causes of Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis, which occurs when there is an inflammation of the plantar fascia or the arch tendon of the foot, is the most common cause of heel pain. People who suffer from this condition experience heel pain after long hours of walking or standing.

Heel spurs, which is another common cause of heel pain, is a bony growth on the heel bone (calcaneus). Most people confuse the terms heel spur with Plantar Fasciitis but they are only related, not the same. This type of injury is typical in people who have over-pronation of the foot, who walk or stand for long hours every day, and those who have tight calf muscles.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, a more serious case of heel pain, occurs when the posterior tibial, a structure located inside the tarsal tunnel, is compressed or squeezed. This syndrome is similar to the carpal tunnel syndrome on the wrist. People with flat feet and who have systemic disorders such as Diabetes are more prone to this condition.
Posterior Heel Pain, which include Achilles tendonitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis, exhibits symptoms such as pain that can be felt behind the foot instead of underneath it.

Heel Pain Symptoms

Different heel pain causes display different symptoms. However, the general signs that would tell you that you have a heel problem are the following:

Pain anywhere on the foot - the degree, location and kind of pain vary among the several conditions mentioned above. For example, a heel spur exhibits a dull pain that gradually grows in intensity over time, while with a tarsal tunnel syndrome, the pain is more like a shooting pain inside the ankle or at the bottom of the feet. Whatever pain it is you are feeling, it is a sign that you have a heel problem, and that you should pay attention to it.
Swelling, discoloration of the back of the foot, and inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
Symptoms of infection such as redness or fever
Numbness or tingling sensation in the muscles of the feet

Treatment

Treatment of problems with the heels depends on the cause of the condition. This is why it is essential that before you undergo any serious treatment, you first get an accurate diagnosis of your heel problem from a specialist physician, or podiatrist. These basic treatments, on the other hand, may be helpful in alleviating your pain and improving your condition:

Rest - Avoid long hours of walking and strenuous activity. Take regular breaks in between and always make sure that your feet are well rested.
Cold therapy - Applying ice pack each night before going to bed helps greatly in reducing inflammation and giving pain relief.
Exercises and stretches - These help loosen muscles in your feet. Remember, tight calf muscles contribute to a number of heel problems.
Orthotic insoles or shoes - These provide full arch support that enables a person to go on with his usual activities without the pain on the heel.

Taking care of our feet is important for our overall heal, so take measures to ensure that your heels get the proper attention and care that they need.

Author: Fred Salomon

Fred Salomon is a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatry field, including foot care products such as orthotic insoles and foot health treatment options. Another great article on heel pain

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Salomon