What causes heel pain when walking? Heel pain when walking can be caused by a number of different things, when walking is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
The reason you feel pain when you walk is because your heel bone is rubbing against the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause pain when walking. The pain when walking can also be caused by other things, such as heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, overpronation and flat feet.
If you are in pain, it is important to see a podiatrist to find out the underlying cause of your pain. Once the cause of your pain is determined, treatment can begin.
Do I have to give up walking if I suffer with heel pain?
Heel pain when walking does not necessarily mean you have to give up walking altogether, if pain when walking is caused by plantar fasciitis, there are a number of things you can do to treat it.
One treatment option for plantar fasciitis is stretching exercises. These exercises can help to lengthen the plantar fascia and ease pain when walking.
Other treatment options for plantar fasciitis include orthotics, shoe inserts that support the arch of your foot, and heel cups, which help to cushion the heel. If these conservative treatments do not relieve heel pain when walking, your podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections or surgery. (Thankfully this is only needed in extreme circumstances).
The two most common ways to treat heal pain and plantar fasciitis are Orthotics and foot mobilisation. Once the cause of your heel pain is determined, treatment can begin. There are a number of different treatment options available for heel pain. The best treatment option for you will depend on the cause of your heel pain.
Benefits of orthotics – Quick / effective however only fit in lace up shoes
Foot mobilisation
Foot mobilisation is a gentle hands on technique that involves manually moving the heel bone back into its proper position.
If you would prefer to address the underlying cause of your pain foot mobilisation may be preferable to the other options. The benefits of our treatment are:-
- Improved foot and ankle range of motion
- Reduced heel pain
- Improved shock absorption
- Improved balance and coordination.
- Keep wearing the shoes you love
- Don’t need orthotics (which don’t always fit in every shoe)
- Avoid the need for cortisone which is only a bandaid approach anyway
- Fix the underlying cause
- No surgery
- Keep being active through treatment
- Cost effective
- Gentle and doesn’t hurt
- Long term beneficial
- Offer laser therapy which gives strong pain relief
The reality is that in the vast majority of cases there is no need to stop walking as it can be effectively without stopping the things you love. If you are in pain, don’t delay in seeking treatment.
We are offering a 65% off Expert foot pain assessment just $35 (usually fee $100). Give us a call 8966 9300 or email mailto: [email protected] or book in via our website https://sydneyfootsolutions.com.au/contact/booking/
Head over to our YouTube channel where we have some top tips to help you beat your heel pain.
