Sharp pain in the heel during stretching can be debilitating, making even simple activities such as walking afterward difficult. Heel pain can be due to a variety of medical conditions and environmental factors. Because some conditions require the attention of a doctor, it is important to understand why heel pain can occur and how it is treated.
Symptoms
Sharp pain in the heel during stretching can come on suddenly or gradually worsen over time. You can experience a shooting pain or burning sensation in the ball of your foot, especially when stretching the area out or placing pressure on it. Additional symptoms can include warmth, tenderness, bruising, redness, inflammation and instability. You can also experience loss of mobility as the result of extreme heel pain.
Causes
Pain can occur while stretching if you have corns or calluses on the heels of your feet. You can also experience pain if you overuse the muscles in your feet with vigorous or prolonged exercise. It can also be due to muscle or tendon sprains or strains, stress fractures, bone spurs or broken bones. In addition, stretching can trigger sharp pain if you suffer from a medical condition such as arthritis, gout, plantar fasciitis, morton's neuroma, tendinitis or bursitis of the heel.
Remedies
Place ice on the injured heel directly after stretching to help reduce any inflammation and pain. Elevate your foot above you heart to help fluid drain away from the injury, which will help remedy pain and swelling. Stay off your foot until pain subsides. Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help control symptoms. Get medical treatment if pain is severe or you suspect a serious injury such as a fracture.
Considerations
You are more susceptible to heel injuries and pain if you suffer from obesity, experience sudden weight gain such as during pregnancy, or suddenly increase your physical activity. Always wear shoes that fit properly and have adequate cushioning and arch support. To avoid stiff muscles and tendons in the heels, which can lead to pain, stretch out your feet often -- especially before exercise.
