Heel Problems

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Heel pain is a condition in which weight bearing on the heel causes soreness and pain.

Causes

There are three different types of heel problems. The first is caused by too much pressure - which can be due to various different reasons - which puts a stress on the heel causing pain and discomfort.

The second possible cause of heel pain is Plantar fasciitis (refer to Plantar fasciitis section). The plantar fascia is a wide band of fibrous tissue/ligament that runs along the bottom surface of the foot. Flat feet, High Arches or combined problems, can cause the plantar fascia to be over-stretched during the day or during activity, resulting in pulling out the heel bone from the correct alignment, putting extra stress and strain on the heel resulting in pain.

Lastly, in severe cases if the excessive pressure combined with Plantar Fasciitis persists for a long period of time, this will result in abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits - this condition is called a Heel Spur. This condition can cause extreme pain in the heel area, especially while standing or walking.

Those patients who complain of heel problems, the pressure map clearly shows up a large white/blue area on the heel, which is not localised on the heel like on the normal picture, but the heel pressure shows all the way up on the side support.

Generally, the heel with the most pressure showing on the pressure map is the heel that has most of the problems.

High heel pressure can accentuate a Heel Spurs.

The high-pressure area around the heel is not localised just on the heel. Extremely high pressure goes all the way up to the side supports, and even up to the metatarsal area.

Treatment: The built in modules in the patients Pedikom Orthotics will re-distribute the body weight into the places where it should be. With this process it will relieve the excess pressure on the heel.