What is heel pain?

There are many reasons why heel pain occurs. Some people injure their heels due to intense exercise. For example, if they land on their heels during long jump, it may cause heel soreness. Usually, this situation can be recovered after a few days of recuperation. However, heel pain is not always so easy to cause and treat. We need to go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time to avoid serious illness.

1. Plantar fasciitis: The plantar fasciitis has the function of maintaining the normal arch of the foot, buffering shock and enhancing jumping ability. Long-term walking and excessive weight-bearing can cause strain of the aponeurosis, leading to local aseptic inflammation and pain symptoms, which are often concentrated at the starting point of the calcaneal tuberosity aponeurosis.

2. Plantar fasciitis: It is caused by excessive pressure on the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia starts from the heel and ends at the forefoot. It is a fibrous tissue that runs through the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis may also cause heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.

3. Heel pain: often occurs in the elderly. The heel pad is an elastic cushion formed by fibrous tissue, fat tissue and elastic fibers under the calcaneus. In youth, the heel pad is very elastic and can absorb vibrations.

When people get old, the elasticity of the heel pad decreases, and the calcaneus bears the body weight without padding. In severe cases, scars and calcium deposits may form, causing heel pain. Heel pad pain is different from plantar fasciitis in that there is tenderness all under the heel.

4. Achilles tendon peritendinitis: The tissue around the tendon at the attachment site of the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed due to trauma or strain, causing swelling and pain in the Achilles tendon. The patient's Achilles tendon is enlarged and tender.

5. Achilles tendonitis: This is caused by excessive pressure on the calf gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon during exercise, such as playing basketball. In addition, a sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of exercise can often cause Achilles tendonitis. If treated promptly, recovery time from Achilles tendinitis is generally short.

6. Retrocalcaneal bursitis: This is most likely to occur in the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the skin, caused by friction damage from inappropriate high-heeled leather shoes. The bursa wall may become thickened, the bursa may be filled with synovial fluid, and there may be local swelling and tenderness.

The above symptoms are all relatively serious conditions, and I need to go to the hospital for treatment in time to avoid the disease not being treated in time and causing it to accompany our lives for a long time. In daily life, we need to pay attention to protecting the soles of our feet. People cannot walk without their heels, and protecting the soles of our feet is also an important process in our walking.