Heel pain and male athletes
Have you ever wondered why male athletes have heel pain? Heel pain is very common since heel bursitis can come on quickly without warning. Heel bursitis occurs when there is plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia upon heel strike due to abnormal pronatory forces. Pronation is a biomechanical term explaining the position of the heel to the ground The heel appears to be turning in towards the body at heel strike. Too much pronation of the heel can results in bunion deformity, plantar fasciits, ligamentous tears and pain in the feet.
The heel is very vascular and many times when the heel hits the ground in an abnormal position, heel pain can occur. In males, this is very common in pre-teen athletes due to the abnormal flow of blood into the heel bone. When this occurs the medical term is Severs disease of the heel. Treatment consists of casting the foot or fabrication of a biomechanical device called an orthotic. In adult males, heel pain can occur from over use syndrome, heel bursitis, abnormal pronation, and rarely from stress fractures and bone tumors.
Treatment consists of a complete history and physical, hands on examination, gait analysis, x-rays of the heels and feet, strapping of the heel with athletic tape, RICE treatment consisting of rest, ice, compression and elevation, possible fabrication of biomechanical orthoses or a temporary orthoses, change of shoe gear and a strong stretching routine. Oral anti-inflammatory medications can be given to alleviate the pain and inflammation along with a mixed injection of an anti-inflammatory medication with a local anesthetic. The mixed injection can consist of a cortical-steroid or a homeopathic medication to alleviate the pain and inflammation.
The end result is to address the abnormal pronatory forces in the foot and to try to eliminate them with the above treatment plan. However, if these treatments are not successful after a six month period, shock wave treatment can be considered or surgical release of the plantar fascia. Please seek help by seeing a Podiatrist or Foot Health Specialist.
About the Author
Dr Corinne Kauderer is a Board Certified Podiatrist located in NY and NJ. She is multi-lingual, the Past President of the American Association of Women Podiatrists and an author. Please visit WWW.footdent.com or WWW.NJfootdent.com for further information.
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