Heel Pain Anyone???

Heel Pain Anyone???

   Heel pain. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that cushions the muscles at the bottom of your foot, supports the arch while protecting the foot from shock. Patients who suffer from heel pain often notice that it’s worse first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. It’s important to have heel pain examined, as it can be indicative of a more serious problem like heel spurs or calcium deposits. This condition is commonly seen in those PEOPLE who spend a lot of time on their feet for work or who participate in sports that are hard on the feet.

Achilles tendonitis. Here’s something else that causes heel pain, named after the Greek hero who was invulnerable in every part of his body but his heel. This large tendon connects the lower leg to the heel bone.  Achilles tendonitis is both extremely painful and quite debilitating. While the pain starts off relatively mild, it can quickly worsen and in severe cases may even rupture the tendon entirely. Athletes and dancers who run and jump frequently are especially vulnerable to developing Achilles tendonitis, as are women who wear high heels regularly.

Flat feet. If you’ve ever spent any time around children, you’ve noticed that we’re all born with flat feet; our arches begin to develop while we’re in grade school. However, much of the population never develops that arch. While flat feet don’t always cause you pain, it can be very uncomfortable for some individuals. Talk to me about getting your feet checked.