Heel pain is one of the most common conditions that comes through our door, and there are tons more people who could be getting help for their heel pain, but don’t.
There are multiples ways heel pain can creep into your life and become an increasingly miserable part of it—sort of like a cable bill. Many people think their heel pain is untreatable, but it might also be that they haven’t fully identified the root of the problem. If you don’t know your enemy, how do you expect to put the best effort forward to take care of them?
That’s where Kansas Foot Center comes in! We not only have the experience and tools to correctly diagnose the cause of your heel pain, but we can also advise you on the best treatments and lifestyle changes to make it much less of a problem—or no longer a problem at all!
Since we enjoy those online quizzes that tell you what superhero, band, or member of the produce aisle you are, we thought we’d create one of our own to demonstrate the different culprits of heel pain out there.
Please not that this quiz should in no way be taken as a legitimate diagnostic tool, and is meant to be taken somewhat tongue in cheek. (We’re sure you’ll realize that soon enough.)
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
How do you feel when your feet first hit the floor in the morning?
A – Bright, bushy-tailed, and ready to start the day!
B – Not particularly excited, but I get by.
C – Dread, because I know what’s waiting for me at work.
D – Dread, because it feels like the floor is covered in electrified tacks.
If you answered (D), there is a good chance you might have plantar fasciitis. This happens when the strong band of fibrous tissue that runs along the underside of your foot endures too much stress, developing tiny tears and becoming inflamed.
This can result in plenty of pain when you try to use your plantar fascia after a long time of inactivity—such as when getting up in the morning!
How would you describe your running or active style?
A – I just started into it, but I’m ready to zoom right out of the gate!
B – I have been in the game so long, my shoes are about the thickness of Saran wrap.
C – I have goals, but I’m working my way up to them gradually.
D – The only thing people have ever said I run is my mouth.
An active lifestyle is naturally beneficial to your overall health, but you might find your heels suffering if you don’t go into things properly equipped.
Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures and our old friend plantar fasciitis, can develop when the body is pushed too hard past its current ability to handle stress or recover. People who are just starting into a new routine and try to do too much our of the gate (A) risk an injury, but so do seasoned athletes who increase their intensity too quickly.
Having the right shoes for your activity is also crucial to protecting yourself from heel pain. You should only run in running shoes, for example—but they also must be capable of supporting your feet! A rundown pair of shoes is going to start causing you more harm than good, no matter how much they’re your favorite.
Do you wear high heels often?
A – No.
B – OK, maybe a little.
C – Fine, maybe more than a little.
D – Seriously, stop making me feel guilty about this. What are you, the shoe police?
Did you answer (C) or (D)? Sorry, but it’s true: being a frequent wearer of high heels can wreak all sorts of havoc on your feet over the long run, including painful heel conditions!
Haglund’s deformity, also known as “pump bump,” is a bony enlargement that happens around the back of the heel bone. Pumps (but also other shoes with hard, rigid backs) can irritate soft tissues along the back of the heel, encouraging the development of this condition.
Long-term high heel use can also result in shorter calf muscles, which tug more against the rear and bottom of the heel. This can also cause pain.
Does heel pain run in your family?
A – No. We’re pretty comfortable moves, usually.
B – If it does, I’ve never been told about it.
C – Our family reunions feature much more pain-related groaning and complaining than the normal, family-related type you tend to hear at them.
D – I was raised by dolphins, so this question is irrelevant.
Did you answer (C)? Whether you know if or not, your genetics may contribute toward your susceptibility to heel pain.
Being born with an abnormal foot structure, such as high arches or flat feet, is no fault of your own, but it can still cause undue stress against the heel and other parts of your foot, nonetheless. In these kinds of situations, we often recommend orthotics to provide the realignment and support you need to take out the source of the pain.
Whether the cause of your heel pain comes from your genes, your job, or your jogging routine, the worst choice you can make is to hold off on addressing the problem! If your pain has been persistent, odds are very high it will not go away on its own—and certain continued behaviors may make it even worse!
Our offices in Wichita and Newton are ready to see you for any form of foot or ankle trouble you might have. Call us at (866) 222-5177 or fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will be in touch to set up with an appointment.
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
How do you feel when your feet first hit the floor in the morning?
Does heel pain run in your family?
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
How do you feel when your feet first hit the floor in the morning?
Does heel pain run in your family?