Heel pain can cause significant discomfort. Fortunately, there are treatment options, such as custom orthotics, that can ease your pain and help you experience more comfort. The expert podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, LLC can help you decide if custom orthotics are right for you.
Key components of the heel
Calcaneus
The calcaneus is also known as the heel bone. It constitutes the rounded foundation of your foot.
Plantar fascia
Your plantar fascia is a ligature of tissue that can be found along the base of your foot. It furnishes your foot with support. It’s also a common cause of heel pain as it can become inflamed, which is a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendon
Your achilles tendon is also a key heel component as it connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
What causes heel pain?
Pain can occur within any heel component. Common culprits of pain include:
Heel spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the base of your calcaneus, or heel bone. They are often a result of plantar fasciitis.
Flat feet
Flat fleet occur when the inner sides of your feet don’t have arches. This structural issue can sometimes lead to heel pain.
Achilles tendonitis
Inflammation in your Achilles tendon can lead to pain and stiffness in the back of your heel.
Plantar fasciitis
As previously mentioned, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Pain associated with this condition is often characterized as stabbing pain that occurs with your first steps in the morning.
How do custom orthotics treat heel pain?
Custom orthotics are prescriptive devices that you put in your shoes. They are designed to correctly align your foot and ankle and thus help alleviate your heel pain. They are a superior option to over-the-counter shoe inserts because they are specifically designed for your feet.
If you suffer from heel pain, call Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, LLC today to see if custom orthotics can help you.