Debilitating heel pain can manifest for several reasons and will only worsen if you don’t address it. There are many causes that you should familiarize yourself with and understand. Knowing common culprits will help you prevent injuries and know when to see a podiatrist.

What Causes Heel Pain?

1. Poorly Fitting Shoes

Wearing the wrong shoes is associated with almost all foot injuries, including heel pain. If you purchase a shoe that doesn’t provide ample cushioning, your heel is going to absorb more of the stress when walking, jumping, and running. If the shoe is too large, your fit will shift, and poor arch support will transfer pressure to the heel. Try various shoes on in the store and perform regular activities in them. If you have trouble finding a fit, speak with a podiatrist about custom insoles.

2. Heel Bursitis

If you land awkwardly on your heel, the fluid sacs in your heel, called bursa, can become inflamed, leading to continuous pain. It can be mild and near the back of the heel, or sharp and in the center. The Achilles tendon often swells as well. This condition worsens the more your place pressure on your foot and requires rest to resolve.

3. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are prevalent in the foot, especially with long-distance runners and other athletes. Constant stress from over-training, wearing the wrong shoes, or running on hard surfaces causes thin fractures in the foot bones, resulting in inflammation and heel pain.

If heel pain is becoming a constant issue, contact St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samual T. Wood-DPM. Serving St. Peters and Florissant, MO, this practice addresses many podiatric problems. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Wood will help with foot injuries, bunions, diabetes-related foot complications, and more—all of which you can explore online. Call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an exam today.