The most common cause of heel pain is inflammation due to injury of the soft tissue around your heel. The plantar fascia is the area of your foot most likely to be inflamed, which results in plantar fasciitis. With plantar fasciitis, you experience a sharp burning or stabbing sensation upon arising after walking or standing for prolonged periods. Your first steps each morning probably hurt, too.
Heel pain is occasionally caused by excessive pounding on the heels. This is more common in the elderly and overweight individuals whose heel fat pads no longer function properly. Watch for a bruising sensation under the heel when standing and walking. If you think this is your issue, an insert with an artificial fat pad might help alleviate your discomfort.
Heel pain is by far the most common foot complaint. There are many medical conditions that are associated with heel pain, including gout and other forms of arthritis.
How Footwear Can Help
The best way to reduce heel pain is to give your injured soft tissue some rest — and some support. Wear shoes designed to provide stability. Grab the back of the shoe in the heel area with one hand then grab the ball of the shoe with the other and twist. A good shoe will resist this twisting motion. Never buy a shoe that you can easily twist.
Another way to add supportive resistance to shoes is to add orthotic inserts. The stiffer the material, the better. But to be effective, the insert must match the shape of your foot and arch.
For an exact diagnosis of your heel pain, and to learn how Dr. Comfort footwear can help you, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.