4 Key Causes that Give Rise to Acute Heel Pain in Adults

While heel pain is one of the most common foot-related issues faced by adults, this article will be demonstrating the chief causes that stem the problem of heel pain.

If there’s one feet problem that troubles more than half of the adult population, then it is heel pain. No matter what is your lifestyle or daily activities you indulge in, mild to severe pain in the heel can be faced by the adults. Here this article is penned down to evaluate all the causes of the disorder along with common heel pain treatment prevalent.

Heel pain is of varied types too. It generally occurs under and behind the heel, and many move stealthily into the inner and outer side of the ankle and foot. While in most cases the pain persists for a prolonged time, it is always recommended to wear comfortable footwear as a preliminary remedy.  However, effective treatment and orthotics are needed for severe heel pain from reliable podiatrists. 

But, does all heel pain emerge from excessive physical activities or injuries? It is not. Here are the key heel pain causes as explained by expert podiatrists.

Well, this is the most known cause and happens due to severe inflammation at the plantar fasciitis, a ligament that runs between the heel bone to the fingertips of the foot. The pain occurs because of the abnormal shape of the arch (which is either too much curved or flat). Due to that, the ligament is stretched too far which causes the pain after standing or walking.

This is also one of the most prevalent causes of heel pain also known as tendonitis. This symptom of heel pain is chronic in nature because the Achilles tendon gradually degenerates which results in the pain. Heel pain due to this mostly occurs when the feet are under rest for hours.

This is a common symptom in teenager adults when the heel bones are not properly developed. As it is rubbed too much with the strong surface during physical activities, like sports or dancing, the bone gets deformed forming a bump which gives rise to the pain. Other ways heel bumps can get developed are wearing high heels regularly and flat foot.

Bursitis is adopted from the term ‘bursa’ which is a sac of fluid present at the back of our heels. Heel bursitis is thus caused by the inflammation in the bursa. The result of this kind of heel pain is dangerous as it becomes difficult to stand or put any pressure on the heel. Wearing any kind of footwear becomes nearly impossible. Thus, immediate treatment or therapy for heel bursitis is recommended.

While these are the key causes for heel pain, there are many others to count such as inflammation of heel pad, heel bone cyst, tarsal tunnel syndrome, misfit footwear, poor walking posture, fracture or ligament injury. Most people consider having conservative heel pain treatment because they have been effective gradually in recovering the disorders. However, that needs footrest for days and months. So, to quickly recover, one should consult with an expert podiatrist to get quick heel pain treatment and therapies with an acute diagnosis of the problem.

The Author is a veteran podiatrist at a renowned Podiatry clinic in Sydney who is specialised for providing first-rate heel pain treatment to athletes, children and adults. He is also a passionate blogger who writes mainly on foot care, ankle problems, heel pain causes, and ways to heal them.

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