
All types of athletes, including those who are active and sporty, can experience heel pain. It doesn't matter how old or young you are. No matter how old (or young!)
Heel pain is a collection of symptoms, not a disease in itself. Many conditions can lead to heel pain.
A podiatric specialist in sports medicine should evaluate each case carefully. The best treatment may vary depending on your diagnosis, age and lifestyle goals.
Youth athletes with heel painHeel pain is very different in children still growing from adult heel pain.
Parents and coaches often need to be aware of the differences or what is happening. This can cause the athlete to be removed from the game or take longer to recover.
Calcaneal osteophytes are the most common cause of heel pain in children.
Growth Plates cover the ends of bones until kids reach skeletal maturation (around 14-17 years for girls and between 18-22 years for boys). These plates are softer than surrounding bone, and as their name suggests, they increase the length of the bones.
The growth plates are more susceptible to cracking and inflammation in general. However, the growth plate along the heel of active children is especially vulnerable. Pain can be caused by impact forces, tight muscles, or tendons attached to the heel.
Dr Yakel agrees that the last thing you want to do is pull your child out of a game. He can offer treatment options after a Sever's Disease diagnosis. This will help ease their pain and strain so they can perform at their best.
Orthotics, stretching exercises, icing and heel lifts are the most effective and fastest options.
Heel Pain in Active AdultsSever's Disease is not an issue once the skeleton has reached maturity. Of course, heel pain will not disappear.
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common diagnosis of heel pain in adults. This refers to the swelling or tearing plantar ligaments on the bottom of your foot. This condition can cause pain, especially after getting up from bed or sitting for a long time.
Many other conditions can lead to heel pain, including fractures and bone spurs.
GET A RUDE TREATMENT TO HELP YOU STAY IN THE GAMEAthletes sometimes have a better reputation for patience! No one wants to be away from the game for longer than necessary. Putting off treatment or doing things too quickly can prolong or worsen an injury.
We share your passion at the Colorado Center for Podiatric Sports Medicine. We offer practical and aggressive treatment for heel pain.
We want you to be as active as possible during your recovery and return to doing what you enjoy.
You will find some advanced treatments in your typical podiatry office. This includes, for instance:
Segmental Foot Assessment and Pressure Mapping is a system which uses computer technology and pressure sensors to analyze biomechanics and weight distribution across the entire foot. This system is beneficial for diagnosing foot structure and gait problems and fitting orthotics.
Custom Orthotics for Athletes. Custom orthotic inserts provide your feet with the cushioning, stabilization, and support they need to reduce pain and improve performance. We offer general-purpose athletic and soccer-specific orthotics manufactured by the same lab that manufactures the U.S. women's and men's national teams.
Shoe-and-cleat Evaluations will help you determine if your footwear is appropriate for the sport and feet that you play.
There are a variety of advanced techniques that can be used to trigger and speed up the healing process for chronic heel conditions. Our staff can provide you with advanced options!
From evaluation and diagnosis through treatment and recovery to ensure you receive the best care possible, we are with you every step.
Credit: NoRXPharmaUSA.com