Heel Pain

What is it?

During walking and running, the heel is the part of the foot, which absorbs impact and excess stress on the heel can cause pain, and is often quite a common complaint.

What causes it?

• Plantar fasciitis - the ligament that runs from the heel bone to the end of the toes becomes strained, causing stretching and inflammation
• Problems with the position of the foot can cause the condition, for example ‘pronation’, where the foot becomes abnormally flat to the floor when standing
• Bad footwear - without adequate support
• Occupational strain - if a job involves excessive amounts of standing this can cause plantar fasciitis
• Weight gain
• Nerves in the lower back
• Severs disease in children
• Achilles tendonosis
• Heel Bursitis - when the fibrous sac under the heel bone becomes inflamed

Symptoms

• Pain - often reasonably mild and may just disappear over time, however in some instances it can be a persistent complaint
• Pain is usually triggered when first standing up on a morning or after walking in flat shoes

Treatment

• Wear shoes that fit well - avoid wearing footwear which has become worn down and is lacking in support in the heel area
• Insoles - which have added support in the heel to reduce impact
• Athletes should wear specifically designed footwear for their sport
• Reduce time spent stood on your feet
• Weight loss

See our Stepahead Heel Protector insole, which can be prescribed by a professional for the relief of heel pain.

For advice on products available from Salts Techstep to treat heel pain please call us on 0121 333 2099.

Important: We always recommend that you visit a HPC* registered chiropodist/podiatrist who can advise you on taking care of your feet. To find one of our recommended practitioners have a look at the Recommended Practices section of our website.

*Health Professional Council www.hpc-uk.org.