Heel pain is a common condition in which weight bearing on the heel causes extreme discomfort. Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics ( walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and soft tissues that attach to it. Over-use, repetitive stress which refers to soreness resulting from too much impact on specific area of the foot, a thinned out fat pad in the heel area, and over-pronation (flat feet) are some of the factors of heel pain. The stress may also result from injury, or bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces and wearing poorly constructed footwear.
Wear shoes that fit well, have wider toe box, arch support and shock absorbing soles. Rest your feet as often as possible. If pain persists, ask your doctor about physical therapy and/or getting a custom made orthotics/inserts to be worn in the shoe.
The best shoe orthotics/ insoles are those that provide just the right amount of support, flexibility and stability. Cushioning and shock absorption is also essential. They have to provide comfort, enough arch support and biomechanical alignment.
Slim Dress Orthotics/ Insoles are custom made for non-removable liner shoes. Slim narrow grind shell, suede top with 1mm underlay.
There are custom made orthotics specifically designed for the skates. They enhance your performance by creating a comfortable environment for your feet and have all the supportive benefits of the custom orthotics to eliminate your foot issues.
If your orthotics were made for dress shoe, switching it to sport shoe may not be advisable. You can transfer from one dress shoe to another. It is better to have a specially designed custom-made orthotics for your soccer cleats, ski boot or athletic shoes.
Talk to your doctor to determine if orthotics will help you in your daily activities. Orthotics provide improved stability through balances force re-distribution and alignment of the foot, creating a stable foundation for the rest of your body. A custom made Foot Orthotic can reduce any extra stress or pain in feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Wear your custom insoles as often as possible for maximum benefit!
Custom-made orthotics not only have preventative function – they can be used in treatment of certain conditions. Doctors prescribe orthotics to treat foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and foot, ankle, and heel pain. Clinical research studies have shown that prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function.
According to studies, less than 10% of the world population would have what is called a normal or neutral foot, meaning a foot that does not require any special care or support to maintain its shape when loaded with the body weight. So unless you are the lucky one, and have perfect feet – you will benefit from using orthotics. Your feet are the base of support of your entire skeleton, so they may affect the entire body if they are tilted or not straight. The sooner you start wearing orthotics, the lesser are the chances of developing other health problems later on.
Yes – most Extended Health Care Plans will cover the cost of custom-made orthotics, compression garments and body braces. Certain devices are also covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. You will need a doctor’s prescription to submit an insurance claim. It is advised that you call your insurance company to verify coverage.
Orthotics help to control abnormal foot motion, especially excessive pronation and supination of the lower ankle or subtalar joint. They provide stability for the foot and correct injury-causing imbalances. Orthotics may prevent injury or deformity from occurring or halt the progression of existing problems and allow healing occur. They are also very useful in optimizing and enhancing comfort and protection.
Pain in the back part of your heel, burning and shooting pain when steps are taken after long periods of sitting could be due to inflammation and degeneration of Achilles tendons.
Heel Pain Treatment
Heel pain can be the result of many potential causes, therefore it is recommended that you should have proper diagnosis of the cause of heel pain. At Comfort Clinic, we do biomechanical assessment and gait analysis before we start heel pain treatment.
Most cases will improve spontaneously. Heel and stretching exercises to reduce swelling of the soft tissues, orthotic footwear, custom made orthotics, night splints, heel pads and shoe inserts are quite helpful. Proper footwear is especially critical for people suffering from Achilles Tendonitis.
If pain continues, steroids injections or walking casts are used. Only in the most troubling and prolonged cases is surgery recommended. Heel pain can occur mainly on two areas of your heel: the underside and the back of your heel.Heel pain is extremely common. It often begins while standing or walking and usually worst when arising out of bed. Inflammation of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) where it attaches to the heel bone is the most common cause of pain. Heel pain may also be the result of an inflamed bursa (bursitis) – a small, irritated sack of fluids; a neuroma (a nerve growth), or other soft-tissue growth. Extreme pain in the rear foot may be the cause to abnormal bony protrusion (heel spur), especially while standing or walking. Calcium deposits, that can be seen on X-ray studies, can form due to plantar fascia pulling away from the heel.
Our expert custom orthotics fitters and specialists put every effort into achieving a full patient satisfaction, and our primary goal is to help the patient to return to normal daily life activities in the shortest period possible. Our professionals have thorough understanding of human anatomy, conditions and application of the prescribed devices.
