Heel Pain

Why do I have more heel pain now that I am staying at home and moving less? I am no longer doing my regular workout, wearing heels, or walking miles every day. 

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain can have many causes; stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.  The most common type of heel pain is plantar faciitis.  The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs from the heel bone to the tip of the foot. When the plantar fascia is stretched too far, its soft tissue fibers become inflamed. Hello pain.  

Who is most likely to have heel pain?

Heel pain is directly related to the pressure on your feet.

People with low arches (flat feet) or high arches are more likely to have heel pain.  The foot misalignment that a low or high arch causes in the structure of the foot makes them more susceptible to heel pain. 

If you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day or have extra pressure on your feet due to excess weight you are more likely to have heel pain too.

It is your shoes.

At home you want to have max comfort.  You have probably switched from ‘street shoes,’ to more comfy socks, barefeet, flip flops, or slippers.  Your flat ‘house shoes’ are triggering your heel pain. As comfy as those shoes are, your wearing them for extended hours is the cause of your heel pain! 

The solution:

• Wear more supportive shoes with a slight wedge.  A running shoe is perfect.
• Correct your alignment to keep your foot in a neutral position with an orthotic.
• Add a heel lift.  Our resident podiatrist recommends a stiff heel lift and not a ‘gel’ that you sink into.
• Use topical pain relief.
• If pain persists more than three weeks see a podiatrist.