Reasons to Not Assume Foot Pain is a Heel Spur

Do you feel pain in your heel? You might probably think that you have a heel spur. This is a common assumption, and it is true that a heel spur CAN cause discomfort. Only 50% of people, however, who have heel spurs actually feel any pain because of it. In reality, a heel spur will not trouble you unless it is prominent beneath your foot, or you can feel it under the skin. If you focus too much on a heel spur, chances are you could miss the true underlying problem.

WHERE DOES THE PAIN ACTUALLY START?

The foot is a complex structure that consists of tendons, ligaments, and bones. This is why heel and foot pain can come from different sources. More often than not, the pain you are feeling is not related to having a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis or any other part of your foot that causes inflammation around your heel can cause the heel pain. The first step is to understand where in your foot you feel the most pain: heel? Arch? Toes?

WHAT CAUSES THE FOOT PAIN?

REPETITIVE OVERUSE

This is one of the leading causes of heel pain. People who walk heavily on their feet, carry extra weight, or run long distances are at risk. You also become susceptible to heel bone discomfort and inflammation if you have a tight Achilles tendon.

IMPACT INJURIES

These injuries can cause deep bruises on either the fat pad or the ball of the foot, making you feel like you are walking on a pebble. Heel bone fractures, either from a new, rigorous or repetitive overuse, or a fall from a significant height, can also cause pain.

RUNNING, JUMPING and OTHER STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES

These activities can also cause discomfort and inflammation in the ball of your foot.

WEARING HIGH HEELS

The foot condition called Morton’s Neuroma, the thickening of the tissue around the nerve between the bases of the toes, is commonly found in women who are fond of wearing high heels. It can lead to foot pain as well as sensations of pain numbness in the ball of the foot.

ARCH PAIN

Arch pain, most often due to plantar fasciitis, affects the heel and arch of the foot. The pain is usually more noticeable first thing in the morning or when you start to walk after sitting or standing for long periods of time. This is also called “start-up pain”.

OTHER ASSORTED CAUSES

Swelling and inflammation from arthritis also cause pain. Arthritis usually affects the middle part of the foot and big toe joint. However, hammer toes, turf toes, claw toes, bunions, and ingrown toenails can also cause pain and discomfort.

If you want to have a clear diagnosis as to why you are experiencing heel pain, it is best to consult an expert like Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM to know the right treatment for your situation. Give us a call today.