When you are experiencing persistent heel pain, there are a variety of possible causes.
One possible cause that you might not immediately consider is that your muscles/ tendons are the contributing factor,
- this being the Achilles tendon — the largest tendon in our bodies.
This tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles.
This tendon is normally not problematic under normal circumstances.
A tight calf muscle can cause strain in certain places.
Tight calf muscles can tug on the Achilles tendon - which already has to tolerate great forces as we walk, run, etc.
Tight calf muscles can place excess strain on associated connected tissue, this being the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes.
Straining either the Achilles tendon (known as Achilles tendinitis) or plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) can cause heel pain.
As a result of these stresses, heel spurs may also develop.
Calf muscles may be tight because of genetic factors (inherited from family genes).
However,
It is also possible to develop tighter calf muscles over time as a result of long-term high heel use or long-term inactivity.
Tight calf muscles can usually be 'conditioned' by stretching and activity, to reduce the strain on the heel bone and surrounding tissues.
Our treatment recommendations might include stretching and exercise programs that focus on the calf muscles, shockwave therapy, as well as changes in your footwear or custom orthotics to alleviate the strain on the muscles.
You are welcome to contact us if you have questions about your treatment options for heel pain.
The sooner you address the issue, the sooner you will find relief!
One possible cause that you might not immediately consider is that your muscles/ tendons are the contributing factor,
- this being the Achilles tendon — the largest tendon in our bodies.
This tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles.
This tendon is normally not problematic under normal circumstances.
A tight calf muscle can cause strain in certain places.
Tight calf muscles can tug on the Achilles tendon - which already has to tolerate great forces as we walk, run, etc.
Tight calf muscles can place excess strain on associated connected tissue, this being the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes.
Straining either the Achilles tendon (known as Achilles tendinitis) or plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) can cause heel pain.
As a result of these stresses, heel spurs may also develop.
Calf muscles may be tight because of genetic factors (inherited from family genes).
However,
It is also possible to develop tighter calf muscles over time as a result of long-term high heel use or long-term inactivity.
Tight calf muscles can usually be 'conditioned' by stretching and activity, to reduce the strain on the heel bone and surrounding tissues.
Our treatment recommendations might include stretching and exercise programs that focus on the calf muscles, shockwave therapy, as well as changes in your footwear or custom orthotics to alleviate the strain on the muscles.
You are welcome to contact us if you have questions about your treatment options for heel pain.
The sooner you address the issue, the sooner you will find relief!
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