Bruised Heel – Foot Abuse and Overuse in Athletes

Any physical activity that requires extensive footwork exposes people to foot injuries. Repeated high impact activities such as running or jumping places great pressure on the foot and its structures. The feet are very durable but they too has their limitations.   

Bruised Heel

A bruised heel happens when the heels are exposed to repeated physical abuse. The heels are responsible for supporting the body’s weight even during walking or standing, the possibility of injury is a constant.

The calcaneus bone or heel bone acts like a shock absorber. The body’s weight is transferred to the legs and ultimately the foot. The heel aside from absorbing the body weight is also the body’s first point of contact with the ground before the stress is dispersed to other foot and body structures.

The heels are naturally surrounded by fatty tissue. This helps in absorbing the shock and limits the stress on the heels. However, this is lost with age increasing the risk for bruised heels and other injuries.

Treatment and Management

Rest the foot immediately if a bruised heel is suspected. Continuing your normal activities or engaging in foot-heavy activities can only aggravate the situation. A bruised heel may heal faster if given time to rest. However, if pain persists even after resting the foot then consulting a podiatrist is advised. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specializes in treating bruised heels and other foot injuries.

Prevention

Preventing bruised heels in the future can be done by practicing proper foot care. This can be done by using custom orthotics. Shoe inserts should be used on both feet and not only on the affected foot. This is because wearing one insert causes a slight imbalance which in turn can cause more injuries.

Just like your car’s wheels, shoes should be replaced over time. Wear and tear happens due to direct contact with the ground. Shoes are designed on average to last around 400 miles.

Recovering from a bruised heel

You may recover quickly from bruised heels  if detected early and given ample time to heal. The injury could disappear in a matter of days.  Visit a podiatrist if a bruised heel persists even after rested or pain intensifies.   The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people suffering from a bruised knee and other foot injuries. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.