Heel Pain

Pain under your heel or back of the arch is a common problem characterized by pain with activity, particularly after rest or when you get up in the morning. You may also experience pins and needles or numbness. Multiple conditions affect the heel, including plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia rupture, heel spur, nerve entrapment, fat pad atrophy or bruising, calcaneal stress fracture, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. In children, heel pain may also be calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease).

Heel pain affects 4-7% of the community and accounts for 8% of all running-related injuries.

Risk Factors include:

• Female
• 40-60 years old
• Increased waist girth
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Occupations requiring prolonged periods of standing
• Sudden increase in training amount
• Flat or high arched feet
• Reduce calf strength and flexibility
• Limited movement in the big toe joint

Treatment options may include footwear recommendations/modifications, taping, offloading devices such as heel raises or orthoses, exercise prescription, activity modification, shockwave therapy, and/or cortisone injection. Surgery is rarely required.