Heel Pain When Running

Athletes, many times, experience heel pain when running. There are numerous causes that may contribute to heel pain. As the causes are innumerable, accurate diagnosis of heel pain is very important. Feet bear the weight of your body. Foot problems, when left untreated, can lead to complications and can result in restricted movement. Foot pain and running mostly go hand in hand.

Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Prolonged walking and standing can also lead to pain in heels if plantar fasciitis is the cause. Plantar fascia is the bowstring-like ligament, extended across the bottom of the foot from the heel bone (calcaneus) towards the toes. If the tissue or the ligament plantar fascia are damaged, the person experiences pain in heels. Over-pronation, i.e., flattening of the arches and rolling inward of the foot and ankle leads to wear and tear or inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, resulting in heel pain when running.

Heel Spurs: Heel spur is a bony outgrowth from the heel bone. The calcium outgrowth or heel spurs develop most commonly in those who tend to over stress or overuse the plantar fascia ligament. Heel spurs are common for athletes who are physically very active. Obesity, high-heeled or ill fitting shoes are responsible for experiencing heel spur symptoms. Other causes of heel spurs are aging, constant back pain, arthritis, weak calf muscles or poor blood circulation.

Heel Tendonitis: Achilles heel tendonitis is one of the common reasons of the pain in heel when running. Tissue bands that connect muscles to bones are called tendons and the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Overuse of the tendon results in pain and swelling which is known as Achilles tendonitis and it can further spearhead small tears within the tendon, making it prone to rupture.

Cracked Heels: Cracked heels cause pain when running. This type of pain is common in middle aged or elderly people. Dry skin, obesity, prolonged standing, use of open backed shoes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, dry atmosphere, athlete's feet, keeping the feet in water for long period of time, heel spurs, excessive use of hot water etc. can lead to cracked heels which can give rise to pain when running.

Heel Bruise: Heel bruise and bruises on heel are different, though both may lead to painful heels! Heel bruise is also known as heel contusion and it can occur due to external injury, fracture, plantar fasciitis or repetitive strain injury.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: When the large nerve in the back of the foot becomes entrapped or pinched, it is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome which can cause heel pain.

Stress Fractures: Stress fractures of the calcaneus are rarely noticed. Stress fractures can be observed especially in athletes who are long distance runners.

Posterior Heel Pain: The pain is felt behind the foot, rather than underneath. Achilles tendonitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis can lead to posterior heel pain.

Treatment for Heel Pain

Ice Packs: You can apply ice packs to the inflamed heel. This will help relieve the pain. Icing is especially helpful after an acute heel pain.

Rest: Pain in heels, many times leads to aching feet or unbearable leg pain. So sufficient rest is required. You should avoid precipitating activities. Just resting usually helps eliminate the most severe pain. Resting is the best remedy for the inflammation to begin to cool down.

Medications: Your physician will prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines to control heel pain and inflammation. You can take over the counter pain killers too.

Shoes: Wearing perfect and comfortable shoes can help solve the problem of constant heel pain. Shoe inserts are also often used which permit you to continue your routine activities without heel pain.

Exercise: Regular heel exercises often help get rid of foot pain. Exercises and stretches are so designed that they help relax the tissues surrounding the heel bone.

You should consult your doctor immediately if you are unsure of the causes of heel pain when running. Running with heel pain can prove harmful, and may lead to complications. Silicone heel cups, leather heel pads, contrasting cold and hot therapy generally help accelerate the healing process. You can return to running thereafter. Take care of your feet sincerely as they bear the weight of your body and help you move.