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Heel Pain Treatment

Heel pain can make even the simplest of tasks a challenge. It can be caused by various factors, such as overuse, injury, or medical conditions. In this blog post, we'll explore some common causes of heel pain and suggest effective treatments to help alleviate the discomfort. Whether you're a runner, athlete, or someone who spends long hours on your feet, this post will provide valuable insights to help you manage your heel pain and return to your daily routine.

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Heel Pain Symptoms 

Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain

Heel pain can be debilitating and impact your ability to carry out daily activities. There are several types of heel pain conditions, each with its own unique symptoms. 

Common symptoms include:

  • Sharp, tearing-like pain during initial steps after rest - specifically in the morning.
  • Stiffness and pain in the morning or after resting that gets better after a few steps but gets worse as the day progresses.
  • Inflammation in the arch and heel region of your foot.
  • Constant ache in heel and arch throughout the day while standing.

If these conditions sound familiar, book your appointment today and let us help you get back on your feet pain-free.

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Treatment for Heel Pain

If you are experiencing pain beneath your heel, seeking treatment promptly to prevent further complications is important. At the first sign of pain, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional who can help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include physical therapy, custom orthotics, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a quicker recovery and help prevent chronic pain.

At MyoDynamic Health, we offer custom orthotics and physiotherapy to help ease the symptoms associated with heel pain.

Orthotics for Heel Pain:

Our specially designed custom orthotics are shoe inserts that provide support and cushioning for the feet. We tailor them to your specific foot shape and help redistribute pressure away from the affected area. Custom orthotics can be an effective treatment option for heel pain because the they include following:

Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain
  • Customized arch support - To shorten the plantar fascia and prevent further tearing.
  • Shock absorbent heel cushioning - Aids in dissipating pressure throughout the foot and prevents inflammation in the plantar fascia region.
  • Mild heel lift - Will transfer the weight away from the plantar fascia region and shift the pressure toward the forefoot.
  • Mild posting - May be necessary if you are walking in an abducted 'duck stance' position or coming off the inside of the greater toe causing torsional strain in the arch.
  • Deep heel cup - Will lock the heel in place, allow your foot to maintain a neutral position and place adipose 'soft' tissue under the heel bone to reduce the effect of impact forces.
  • Correct alignment: Orthotics have arch support that helps to correct foot alignment and improve stability, reducing the stress on the heel.

Physiotherapy for Heel Pain

Physiotherapy is a great, non-invasive treatment alternative that can help to ease heel pain symptoms. It involves a range of exercises and manual therapy techniques designed to improve foot and ankle stability, increase range of motion, and promote healing. The physiotherapy program for heel pain may include the following components:

Physiotherapy for Heel Pain
  • Exercises for stability: Physiotherapists will design a customized exercise program to improve the strength and stability of the foot and ankle muscles. These exercises may include heel raises, calf stretches, and toe curls.
  • Manual therapy: Soft tissue massage, stretching, and joint mobilization techniques are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area and improve blood flow.
  • Range of motion exercises: Range of motion (ROM) exercises are designed to improve the flexibility and mobility of the foot and ankle, reducing pain and preventing further injury.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy generally promotes blood flow to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Common Heel Injuries

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes) becomes inflamed or strained. The main symptom of this is pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, usually worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Some patients complain that the pain feels like a stabbing or burning sensation.  It occurs when the connective tissue (fascia) that runs along the bottom or plantar surface of the foot tears or stretches. Plantar fasciitis develops as a result of repetitive strain on the plantar fascia causing small micro tears and increased pull on the attachment to the heel. Those who engage in activities such as running and jumping are more likely to develop this painful condition. Frequently encountered irritants include treadmills and hard surfaces like concrete for exercise or work. the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia (thick fibrous tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, supporting the arch).

Fat Pad Syndrome/Contusion

Fat pad syndrome, also known as fat pad atrophy or contusion, occurs when the protective fat pad under the heel becomes thinner or bruised. This condition is more common in older individuals or those who participate in activities that involve repetitive impact on the heel. Symptoms include a dull or achy pain in the heel, especially when standing or walking barefoot.

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures or injuries are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It is more common in athletes or individuals who participate in high-impact activities. Symptoms include pain in the heel that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The area may also be tender to the touch.

Heel Spur

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone due to long-term plantar fasciitis or other foot conditions. It may not cause any symptoms, but if it becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain in the heel or bottom of the foot. A plantar heel spur is the growth of a calcium deposit extending on the underside of the heel. it is caused by the excessive pulling of the plantar fascia on the heel bone and is often asymptomatic in the majority of the population.

Insertional Achilles Tendonitis

Insertional Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon (which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone) becomes inflamed at the point where it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the heel, especially in the morning or after activity.

Severs Disease/Calcaneal Apophysitis

Severs disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects children and adolescents during periods of growth. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling. The pain may also be worse during activity.

Haglund's Deformity

Haglund's deformity, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, is a bony growth on the back of the heel that can cause irritation and inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) between the bone and the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness in the back of the heel. The area may also be tender to the touch.

Bone Bruise (Contusion)

A bone contusion, commonly known as a bone bruise, occurs when you step on a hard and sharp object that bruises the fat padding beneath the heel. This condition may not always show visible discoloration, but your heel will feel sore while walking. Additionally, pain across the back, bottom, and sides of the heel can be caused by stress fractures, as well as Sever's disease.


Schedule Your Heel Pain Appointment Now!

Heel pain can significantly impact your daily activities but can be effectively managed with the right treatment. At MyoDynamic Health, we offer custom orthotics and physiotherapy to help ease the symptoms associated with heel pain conditions.

Our team of skilled physiotherapists and foot specialists will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan that caters to your unique requirements. Don't endure the pain alone in silence. Reach out to us today and begin your journey toward a life free of pain.

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