Your heels are oftentimes the first part of your foot that strikes the ground with each step you take, meaning it’s the first area that absorbs contact. Not only can this lead to problems in your heel over time, but if you are currently suffering from a foot injury, you’re going to feel it every time you take a step. You might assume that this discomfort will fade over time, but what if it doesn’t? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the reasons why your heel pain might be lingering.
Heel Pain Won’t Go Away
Here’s a look at some of the reasons why your heel pain isn’t going away.
1. Too Much Stress – We’ll get to some of the possible underlying causes in a bit, but regardless of what’s causing your heel pain, the simple fact may be that it’s not going away because you continue to put too much stress on your feet. You need to give your heels time to rest and heal, and if they are constantly absorbing stress with each step, they can’t easily do that. We understand that it’s easier said than done to remain off your feet for a while, but do what you can and talk to your foot specialist about walking boots or other weight-bearing orthotics.
2. Bad Shoes – Your shoes could actually be contributing to your heel pain, and if you keep sticking your feet in the same pair every day, odds are that discomfort is going to linger. High heels and unsupportive flats like sandals can put abnormal stress on different areas of your feet, including your heels. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and that the inside provides amble cushioning. Otherwise consider switching shoes or adding an orthotic insert.
3. Your Weight – Being overweight can also put more stress on your feet and the natural cushioning in your heels. Over time, this added stress can lead to heel pad height loss and make bearing stress more uncomfortable. Striving to eat right and work towards a healthy weight can also help to alleviate heel discomfort.
4. Deep Heel Bruise – You’ve probably experienced the sharp pain that comes with stepping on a hard object squarely with your heel at some point in your life, whether it be a Lego or a small stone. Direct trauma to the heel from stepping on a small object can cause heel bruises, and they can linger if you don’t give the foot time to heal. Heel bruises can also develop as a result of more acute trauma, like if you fall from a great height, because oftentimes your heels are the first thing to hit the ground. We can help treat these heel bruises.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis/Plantar Fasciitis – Psoriatic arthritis can lead to tissue inflammation, and if this occurs in the feet, it can cause symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. This involves inflammation to a thick band of tissue that connects with your heel. If you don’t actively work to resolve this inflammation, it’s likely going to linger, as will your pain and discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or inflammation derived from psoriatic arthritis, your foot specialist can help.
