People rely on their feet to help with motion and balance, yet it is one of the most neglected parts of the body. Foot pain can be caused by an abundance of different things, from injuries to genetic conditions. Identifying the causes as well as treatments for heel pain in New York can alleviate concerns and provide much needed comfort.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures can happen to anyone; they often happen to athletes and people who have osteoporosis. A person might not know they have a stress fracture since it appears with tenderness,maybe even swelling. The pain will increase if not treated and could become worse over time.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is basically soreness and swelling of the plantar fascia; located on the bottom of the foot, this section goes from the toes to the heel. Pain is greater when you start walking in the morning. The chances of problems increase with certain risk factors like being over 40, doing certain exercises, and being obese. Orthotic inserts can provide support to help with the pain, with some working better if fitted to the foot itself.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the foot at the heel. The spur comes from additional bone growth in an area and occurs due to stress on the plantar fascia. Most spurs can be diagnosed by x-ray but should not prevent the patient from normal physical activity.

Bursitis

Bursitis can affect the entire heel and happens when the bursa sac becomes inflamed. Pain may be accompanied by redness of the skin around the heel. Causes can vary from certain exercises to shoes that don't fit properly. Gout can also be a cause for this problem, so patients are tested for the condition on a regular basis.

Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon goes from the calf to the heel. Pain in this area goes from mild to severe with the latter making it hard to stand. People as they age are more prone to have this condition, yet anyone should be on the lookout for this issue. High blood pressure can be a risk factor as well.

Heel Bruises

A heel bruise can occur when a person steps on something like a rock as a part of running or jumping motions. In some cases ,a bruise can be seen on the heel and the pain will ease after a few weeks.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves affect the heel with pain and numbness being the most reported symptoms. A fall might bring on the feeling of pins and needles as well for people with this condition. While sports can also be a cause of pinched nerves, there are other factors to consider like shoes not fitting properly. Varicose veins, bone spurs and cysts may deepen the pain and require added attention.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The condition has become more talked about thanks to celebrities revealing their own diagnosis for this painful problem. Among its symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis contributes to heel pain; the disease affects tissue of the body. There is pain as well as swelling in the area of the heel. The risk factors show women have this more than men. It is a genetic condition that may show up in generations of family members.