Causes of heel neuroma:
Heel neuroma is an inflamed nerve in the heel that typically develops from excess rub, injury or other irritating factor. The heel pain is typically sharp, sometimes electrical or very strong on the inside of the heel. The treatment engrosses removing the aggravating factor and lessening the irritation with ice, contrast soaks, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and at times surgery too. The heel is a padded pillow of fatty tissue that holds its shape even with the pressure of body weight and movement. It serves to defend the configurations of the foot, including the heel bone, muscles and ligaments. Heel pain is a common foot complaint.
Groups at increased risk:
Anybody can suffer from heel pain, but certain groups seem to be at increased risk, including middle aged men and women, physically active people, people who are very overweight or obese, people who are on their feet for long periods of time. Children aged between eight and 13 years and women during pregnancy. Some of the causes of heel pain can be abnormal walking style, obesity, ill-fitting shoes, standing, running or jumping on hard surfaces, injury to the heel, such as stress fractures, bursitis, neuroma certain disorders, including diabetes and arthritis. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment can like
1. Rest from activities that stress the heel like running and jumping.
2. Ice packs.
3. Regular foot massage especially on the arch of the foot.
4. Professional strapping.
5. Splint worn at night.
6. Flexibility exercises.
7. Ultrasound therapy.
8. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
9. Examination of the person’s posture and walking style to check and correct imbalances and gait abnormalities that may contribute to the pain.
10. Shoe inserts to help support the foot.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat conditions including neuroma, bursitis, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
Prevention strategies:
One can reduce the risk of heel pain in many ways. Wear shoes that fit properly with a firm fastening. Choose shoes with shock-absorbent soles and accommodating heels. Repair or throw out any shoes that have worn heels. Always warm up and cool down when exercising or playing sport including plenty of slow, sustained stretches. If necessary, the podiatrist will show how to tape or strap the feet to help support the muscles and ligaments.