Causes of heel pain in athletes are numerous, ranging from repeated pounding as in track and field sports to overuse as in marathon runners. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, whether you are a competitive athlete or not, every mile you walk places 60 tons of stress on each foot. Playing sports which require pounding your feet on hard surfaces, such as volleyball or basketball, increases the load and may lead to chronic heel pain. It is important to discuss your specific symptoms with your physician for a proper diagnosis.
Possible Sources
Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurs as a result of too much running or jumping. The result is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the calcaneus or heel bone, to the base of the toes. High-impact sports like basketball, gymnastics or distance running, may lead to stress fractures in the small bones of the foot or the calcaneus, which may lead to heel pain. Retrocalcaneal bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and heel spurs are other possible conditions that cause pain in and around the heel.
Causes
Biomechanical issues, such as over pronation or flat feet, can contribute to problems with plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome. A stress fracture is categorized as an overuse injury where the muscles become overtired and lose the ability to effectively absorb the shock of repetitive impact. Poor body mechanics, improper fitting athletic shoes, wear and tear due to repetitive motion and over-training can all lead to conditions like bursitis and heel spurs.
Treatment
The first line of defense for treating heel pain is the application of ice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may be helpful to reduce pain and swelling. Whether you have a stress fracture, plantar fasciitis or bursitis, it is important to rest the area to encourage healing and prevent further injury. In some cases which involve chronic pain, your physician may recommend a corticosteroid injection. If your condition is acute, physical therapy may also be prescribed.
Prevention
A daily program of therapeutic stretches can help prevent future flare-ups of heel and ankle pain. Greg Ott, PT, ATC, recommends a combination of stretching and strength exercises which target the fascia on the bottom of the foot, supportive ligaments and tendons of the ankle, and the calf muscles. Orthotic devices or customized shoe inserts may also be necessary to correct any abnormalities in your foot structure which may negatively affect your gait and body mechanics. Proper warm-up and cool down are also essential for preventing athletic related injuries.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Plantar Fasciitis: Causes; Mar. 15, 2011
- Sports Injury Clinic: Bruised Heel/Heel Pain
- Runners Rescue: Heel Pain and Running
- Greg Ott, PT, ATC; Greg Ott Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine; Charlotte, North Carolina
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle; July 2009
