About two million people experience pain in the heels (talalgia) throughout their lives. A pain so acute that on many occasions it prevents the patient from walking. He explains that in recent times the misconception that heel pain is related to a (inflammation of the thick plantar tissue that covers the bones) has spread.
This diagnosis, podiatrists explain, usually leads patients to an arduous path to find a solution to their discomfort without finding a solution, since the causes may be other.
Origin of heel pain
Fasciitis is one of the causes of heel pain, but not the only one. As detailed by the vice-president of the ICOPCV, Maite García, “a heel pain can be produced, of course, by an inflammation of the fascia, but it can also be due to other causes such as its thickening or a break”.
“Another reason may be that there is an entrapment of the nerve branch that is pinched by the very shape of the footprint or foot, for example,” continues the expert.
At the same time, he has pointed out that there are other types of alterations such as atrophy of the fat of the plantar pad or the so-called ‘myositis’ (involvement or contracture of the foot musculature, especially the abductor of the first toe and the quadratus plantar muscle ) which also cause heel pain.
“This type of discomfort is more common in young people and . In addition, they present with very intense pain. As soon as it appears, it is common for treatment to begin superficially, without delving into its true origin, so they begin with infiltrations and frustration appears because the pain does not stop”, explains Maite García”.
In order to avoid this, Valencian podiatrists recommend “performing an ultrasound of the foot because it will allow us to know in detail the cause of the heel pain and the most effective treatment”, they explain.
And why do these inflammations or contractures occur in the ? Well, the vice president of the Valencian podiatrists points out the four most common causes:
-
The tensor effect of the fascia.
-
The realization of an overexertion or a bad gesture with the foot.
-
Not having adequate foot biomechanics (having flat feet or, vice versa; a very pronounced plantar arch…).
-
And finally, the use of bad footwear.
Recommendations to relieve heel pain
Although it is true that heel pain can become unbearable, if you suffer, patience is essential because the treatment is long. From the ICOPCV they make some recommendations to take into account in case of suffering from heel pain due to fasciopathy (pain in the fascia due to inflammation, rupture or deterioration):
-
First of all, and as we already explained, you have to be very patient if you do not experience improvement in 4 or 5 months. As the podiatrists explain, “some inflammatory processes take between 7 and 8 months to correct because many times you cannot get all the rest you need.”
-
To relieve pain, experts recommend using ice to apply to the area as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Of course, never in direct contact with the skin because it can burn.
-
Always perform an ultrasound or an MRI in order to know the true origin of the heel pain.