Why Can't I Walk on My Heel?
Inability to walk on your heel can stem from several issues, most commonly plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Let's explore these and other potential causes.
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Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most frequent cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed and painful when overstretched. This inflammation makes putting weight on your heel extremely difficult. [Reference: Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason for heel pain. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the tip of the foot. When the fascia stretches beyond its normal capacity, its fibers become inflamed, resulting in pain.]
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Achilles Tendinitis: The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Inflammation or injury to this tendon can cause significant heel pain and make walking on your heel impossible. [Reference: Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It's employed when you run, jump, walk, or even push up on your heel.]
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Heel Spurs: These bony growths on the heel bone can irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to pain and difficulty walking on the heel.
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Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the heel bone, often caused by overuse or repetitive impact, can result in significant pain.
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Nerve Issues: Problems with the nerves in your foot can cause pain and affect your ability to bear weight on your heel. [Reference: You can have foot pain anywhere in your foot, including the top, bottom, sides, heel, arch and toes…]
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Other conditions: Other less common causes include bursitis, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Seeking Help for Heel Pain
Heel pain that prevents you from walking on your heel warrants medical attention. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include rest, ice, physical therapy, medication, or even surgery in severe cases. [Reference: Heel pain makes it difficult to walk, exercise and do daily activities. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are top causes. Recovery takes time.]
