Heel pain can be caused by a number of things, from heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. It is typically described as a sharp, stabbing sensation that occurs in the heel or the bottom of the foot when you put weight on it. It goes without saying that heel pain can make it difficult to walk or stand, whether for short or long periods of time.
Anyone who suffers from heel pain will most surely want to get to the bottom of it. The first thing podiatrists or foot and ankle doctors will want to examine is your footwear. This is because the shoes you wear could be wrong for you or for your job or activity.
Heel Pain Is Often Attributed to Wrong Footwear
It is not easy to know what shoes are best for you, not without consulting an expert, who will recommend the right footwear based on factors such as existing foot issues, your occupation, and the types of sports or exercises you participate in.
The wrong footwear will have some of the following characteristics:
- Too snug or tight
- Too loose
- One shoe is tighter or looser than the other
- Pushes the toes together
- A lack of support; flat and inflexible insoles
- Worn out soles
- Flattened midsoles
- Hard toe box
- A lack of insulation
- Not breathable
- Poor durability
- Very old shoes
All of these can cause several issues like injuries to the feet, such as blisters, calluses, and bunions. Even joint pain can develop. It is not uncommon for people wearing the wrong footwear to develop hip, knee, or back pain.
Why The Wrong Shoes Cause Heel Pain
Shoes offer protection and support to the feet, without which, heel pain is bound to develop. Without proper cushioning and ergonomic support, when you stand, walk, or run, your arches will absorb all the force due to a lack of shock absorption. This can cause injury to the structures of your feet, and conditions like plantar fasciitis can develop, which is the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. In addition, it also accelerates the breakdown of support structures in your feet, which can lead to bigger issues like arthritis. The wrong shoes can also affect your gait, which increases the risk of you walking abnormally or resulting in you rolling your feet inward or outward.
Furthermore, wearing the wrong shoes for a specific sport, like basketball, can also cause heel pain. There are shoes specially designed for basketball, soccer, walking, running, and cross-training, which ensure your heels get the support they need for the sport and enhance your athletic performance.
Heel Pain Treatment in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, and Live Oak, TX
Heel pain is not normal. The board-certified podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas provide comprehensive treatment with a personal small-town touch for all types of foot issues, including heel pain. We are committed to the health of our patients and treat each and every person like family.
Find out your options for heel pain relief. Make an appointment with one of our foot and ankle doctors in South Texas. Call our clinic nearest you or use our online appointment request form.
