Soccer players put significant stress on their heels as they run and kick the ball. As a result, pain is common from time to time. The cause of this pain is usually the result of overuse, poor biomechanics or the use of ill-fitting soccer cleats. If you experience persistent heel pain while playing soccer, contact your physician.
Sever's Disease
Sever's disease is a common condition in adolescent soccer players. Sever's disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis. It is an inflammation of the growth plate of your heel bone. An injured growth plate can lead to extreme tugging and tightness in the tendons and ligaments surrounding the heel bone. Sever's disease is often the result of a growth spurt. It usually ceases when the growth spurt is complete. The objective in treatment is pain control, which can include icing the painful area, activity modification, wearing stable shoes at all times and use of arch supports.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an inflammation of the tunnel the tendons of your heel pass through. This condition causes pain and numbness in your heels, which is likely to radiate to the soles of your feet as well as your toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be aggravated by participation in athletics and exercise. It can make it difficult to flex and extend your foot. This can make kicking a soccer ball difficult and painful. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is treated conservatively with the use of orthotics. Surgery usually is a last resort.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is considered an overuse injury. Pain normally occurs while running, jumping and making sudden or quick turns. Pain radiates from the back of the leg down to your heel and it likely increases when you flex your foot. Achilles tendinitis is commonly treated with rest. Strengthening and stretching exercises for the calf and heel are also beneficial.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue -- known as your plantar fascia -- that connects your heel bone to your toes. This thick band of tissue runs across the soles of your feet. You are likely to experience pain when you wake up in the morning, stand for long periods of time or participate in physical activity for extended periods. Tenderness occurs on the bottom of your heel bone and can make flexing the toes painful. Plantar fasciitis is treated with stretching, strengthening exercises, orthotics and the use of a night splint. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to heel spurs -- calcium deposits that build up at the base of your heel bone.
