Heel Pain

How it feels

Heel pain commonly refers to pain under and around the heel. A sharp pain under the middle of the heel is frequently called Plantar Fasciitis. This type of heel pain is often worse when first getting out of bed in the morning or after having been off your feet for a while. It is usually a tearing - stretching pain which can be very painful. If the heel pain is on the back of the heel it can be Achilles Pain.

If the pain is dull and typically worsens during the day it may just be fatigue from standing on hard surfaces.

The heel is also prone to calluses that may become painful as they develop and grow thicker at which time the callus itself becomes a source of increased pressure.

Common Causes • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pain felt under the heel is most often Plantar Fasciitis. It is pain in the area of your heel bone where the plantar fascia (the main ligament supporting the arch) connects to the heel bone. The pain you feel is from micro tears caused by overstretching the plantar fascia. This pain is most commonly due to hyperpronation of the foot (fallen arches and heels leaning in). As the severity of hyperpronation increases, the tension of the plantar fascia increases, causing these micro tears.
Heel pain can also be referred pain from trigger points in the calf muscles and foot muscles. Before resorting to cortisone injections, be sure that the pain is not referred from trigger points in the Soleus muscle (calf) or the Quadratus Planta (intrinsic muscle of the foot) which also refers pain to the heel in the same region where Planter Fasciitis is felt.

Plantar Fasciitis

Achilles pain

The Soleus muscle is located underneath (deeper) the Gastroc muscle (shown) and attaches to the Achilles tendon.

How to eliminate the pain
What you have to remember about Plantar Fasciitis is that it is an injury that needs to heal. If it is mild, stressing the ligament attachment less will suffice. If the pain is persistent and severe, immobilization is necessary. In a worst case scenario, you may want to give your foot a break by using crutches for a few days. Immobilization can be done with an arch support which will prevent the foot from hyperpronating during mid- stance and while standing. Because Plantar Fasciitis is caused by excessive pronation, the gait must also be controlled from mid-stance to toe-off to prevent hyperpronation.

If the pain is referred from a trigger point, you may want to see a certified trigger point therapist or a licensed massage therapist. After eliminating the trigger point, usually through pressure and massage, the pain should resolve.

Calluses are caused by rubbing. Hyperpronation can cause calluses on both the inside and outside of the heel. Calluses on the inside may be caused by rubbing of the shoe against the side of the heel when the heel is striking the ground. Calluses on the outside typically happen as a result of the heel pushing out (laterally) when the foot is hyperpronating.

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Hyperpronation

If you hyperpronate, your arches drop from non-weight bearing (sitting with your feet on the ground) to weight bearing (standing). When your arches drop, your ankles roll in and your heels lean in (evert) as illustrated in the picture. Even a small amount of hyperpronation can cause Plantar Fasciitis.

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The Solution - Posture Control Insoles®

Posture Control Insoles® do something no other orthotics can do: Posture Control Insoles® are the only foot orthotics that naturally reduce hyperpronation by using your own muscles. Instead of weakening your feet with arch supports, you build strength through natural motion.

Even if you feel like your ankles are weak or lean out (supinate), chances are that your feet hyperpronate once your heels lift off the ground. Posture Control Insoles® will naturally restore your foot function and posture by giving your feet - and your brain - a true read of the ground so your muscles can keep your feet and body balanced. That's why Posture Control Insoles® work for so many different pain symptoms including heel pain.

The insoles are guaranteed to work for you. Trim and wear them for 90 days. If they do not relieve your symptoms to your satisfaction, you may return them for a full refund including shipping and handling charges. You can also call us - We'll be glad to help you troubleshoot.

"Normalize Your Feet™"

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Getting Started

The ordering process is simple. Two quick evaluations will tell you exactly what Posture Control Insoles® to buy.

Check your shoe wear pattern

Check your foot mechanics

We'll show you exactly how. Click to proceed with your "2 minute evaluation".

Would you rather just test them in your shoes? You'll have what you need with the Perfect Fit™ package giving you both the 3.5 mm and the 6.0 mm pair - the second pair at a 40% discount.

Relief in just a few days: Start by choosing Gender and Size.

*Choose#1 (low) Arch for flat feet and mild Plantar Fasciitis. Choose #2 (high) Arch for severe Plantar Fasciitis. Otherwise choose NO arch support.

Perfect Fit™
$70.00 + S&H

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