Heel pain is a common foot condition that results in severe pain when placing weight on the afflicted heel. It is caused by the inflammation of tissue and/or tendons connecting the heel to either calf muscles or toes. Several different conditions cause heel pain, including Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an injury resulting from overworking the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, thickening of the tendon and swelling, all at the connection of the tendon and heel bone. Discomfort usually surfaces the day after physical activity and will worsen with more action.
Plantar Fasciitis
Similar to Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or “heel spur” as it’s known, is a common overuse injury. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue attaching the heel bone to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of that ligament, most often caused by pounding feet on hard surfaces while playing sports without proper footwear. Patients will feel pain at the bottom and side of the heel during the first few steps after prolonged periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting. Pain will eventually dissipate, but will return once again when standing after rest. If left untreated, this pain can become constant, even while resting, and so severe that it hinders everyday activities.
New Laser Treatment for Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis and
Achilles tendonitis (by Low Level Laser Therapy -LLLT)
There are many treatment options for both Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Chiropodist recommended exercises and custom orthotics are useful for treating these issues.