Heel pain
Symptoms: The pain at the bottom of the heel is typically experienced when getting out of the bed in the morning or starting to walk after a long period of rest. It usually improves after a moderate amount of walking.
Causes: The most common cause of heel pain is an inflammation of the long band of tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia), which connects the ball with the heel bone. The inflammation can be caused by an abnormal gait, for example, too much stress is put on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it, wearing poorly constructed shoes or injury. In an ageing foot the protective tissue under the heel and the ball is thinner and therefore more prone to inflammation. Other causes of heel pain include Gout, Arthritis, nerve injuries and heel bone abnormalities.
Treatment: Heel pain often improves spontaneously. Applying ice to the tender area may ease the pain. Elevating the heel with shoe inserts and stretching may also help. If the pain continues, it may be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections.
