Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems and can affect both active people and those who stand and walk a lot in their daily lives. The heel is exposed to a lot of stress with every step, and when overloaded or incorrectly loaded, different types of heel pain can develop.
What is heel pain?
Heel pain can occur for several reasons, the most common of which are a worn out heel cushion , heel spurs and plantar fasciitis . The common factor is that the heel's shock-absorbing ability is reduced, which leads to increased strain and pain when walking or doing activities. Products that provide relief, support or correction can often contribute to a more pain-free everyday life.
Symptoms
- Pain when putting weight on your feet, especially when putting your heel on the ground
- Soreness under or around the heel
- Stiffness, often in the morning or after rest
- Worsened discomfort during prolonged activity or on hard surfaces
Common causes & risk factors
Overuse is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can be caused by working on hard floors, unsuitable shoes or intense periods of training without sufficient rest. There are also more specific causes. A worn-out heel cushion means that the fat pad under the heel loses its shock-absorbing function, which makes the load felt more clearly. A heel spur is a bony growth from the heel bone that can cause severe pain when weight is applied. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tendon attachment under the foot, is also a common cause of long-term heel pain.
When should you seek medical attention?
If you have persistent or increasing heel pain that does not improve with weight-bearing or changing shoes, you should contact your healthcare provider. The same applies if you experience severe pain or suspect a more serious injury to your foot.
Recommended protection & support
For heel pain, a shock-absorbing heel cup or heel wedge can relieve the heel bone and provide better cushioning with each step. For plantar fasciitis, an insole with arch support can reduce the strain on the tendon. For those with heel spurs, a relieving heel guard can relieve the pressure under the heel. What these products have in common is that they provide extra support, reduce strain and can contribute to increased comfort in everyday life.
