Common Causes of Heel Pain

Suffering from heel pain? The experts at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC provide personalized, effective treatment to help you get back to life as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Heel Pain 

Your heel provides a lot of support for your body’s movement – specifically to the longitudinal arch that absorbs the shock of your movements. As such, it’s no surprise that people experience pain in the heel. While the exact cause of this pain can vary widely, the team at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC shares some of the most common causes below.

Abnormal Walking Gait 

The foot is designed to move in a specific way, with the heel touching the ground first and then rolling to the big toe. Unfortunately, some people’s feet roll either inward or outward, causing an improper weight distribution that leads to heel pain.

Improperly-Fitting Shoes 

Wearing shoes that fit and support your feet properly is essential to the overall health of the foot. If you do not, undue pressure is placed on the heel and other areas of the foot.

Obesity

Everyone’s body is designed to withstand a certain amount of weight. When there is excess weight present, the heel becomes overworked.

Achilles Tendinitis 

Your Achilles tendon runs from the calf muscle to the heel. When this tendon is overused or stretched further than normal, it tends to cause heel pain and limit your range of motion.

Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the feet becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by standing for long periods, being overweight, having high or low arches, and wearing non-supportive shoes.

Heel Bursitis 

If you’ve ever wondered how bones don’t simply push against one another and fracture, it’s because the body has various types of cushions in it. The heel contains a sac of fluid called the bursa. Its job is to cushion the components of the back of the heel. Unfortunately, the bursa can become irritated and inflamed, often due to footwear, overuse, and more.

Heel Spurs 

Repetitive stress on the foot can also cause calcium to deposit beneath the heel, which creates heel spurs. They can cause pain, posture issues, and much more.

No matter the root cause of your heel pain, our team is here with the most customized and effective treatment plan for your needs.

Don’t let heel pain knock you off your feet. Schedule an appointment with the team at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC by calling (828) 350-1880 today.