A bruised heel can be one of the most painful injuries because you are reminded of it with every step that you take. In this article, we will be explaining to you everything you need to know about a bruised heel. Including the common signs and indications you will notice if you or your loved ones have a bruised heel, risk factors for the condition and how to go about treating it.
The calcaneus bone is the bone of the heel. This is one of the essential bones in the foot that carry the weight of the body.
If you are the type of person to regularly involve yourself in physical activities involving your feet such as running, jumping or cycling, then you will realize how a bruised heel can decrease your performance.
It is hard to live a healthy life or be a great athlete if you can’t use your feet pain-free. A bruised heel is one of the most common causes of foot pain.
What Is A Bruised Heel?
A bruised heel is also known as Policeman’s heel. Your heal might be hurt if the soft tissue beneath your heel bone is damaged.
The soft tissue beneath the calcaneus bone is a fat pad, and its primary function is to protect the heel bone, but due to excessive pressure on the body or overuse of the foot, this fat pad could become weak and prone to injury.
The condition is common among Policemen and athletes. This is because whenever they march or perform these intense physical activities, it puts a lot of pressure on the heel.
What Are The Causes Of A Bruised Heel?
- Repeated pounding of your feet: As we have described earlier this is common in Policemen. Sports that also involve the repetitive pounding of the heel are- basketball, tennis, etc.
- If you wear shoes that are loose or don’t fit properly: The shoes can repeatedly tap against your heel and could result in a bruised heel.
- When you jump from a high spot and land on your heel: The impact of the jump can be too much for your heel and result in a bruised heel.
- If you push the weight of your body on your heels alone instead of your entire foot when you are running, you can have a bruised heel.
- Walking or running on hard surfaces especially without shoes on
- If you are overweight, you are also at risk of having a bruised heel because of the amount of load that your heel bone has to carry.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Bruised Heel?
- Pain around the heel while standing, walking or running
- Pain around the heel when it is touched
- Swelling around the heel
- The skin over the heel can change color
- Pain in the heel that improves with rest
Treatment The Traditional Route
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The Doctor will ask some questions of you about the signs and symptoms listed above. After asking the questions, the doctor will go ahead and physically examine you.
- Investigation: The Doctor will ask that some imaging be carried out.
- Treatment: The Doctor will place you on drugs (usually painkillers) to relieve any pain might be feeling. You will also be referred to a Physical Therapist. This conservative approach to the treatment of a bruised heel is usually just rest.
You can also rest your foot, elevate it, use compression method and also utilize ice to as a home remedy.
Treatment The Holistic or Sports Medicine Route
Healthcare providers are first going to look for the source of the injury and not just treat the symptoms. A heel that hurts is just a symptom, but things like poor mechanics or improper footwear are causes.
Seeing the right providers means doing a lot more than just putting ice on your injury and hoping for the best. Treatment will involve using different skills like massage therapy, Active Release Technique, and Graston to help relieve tension in any surrounding areas.
For a Bruised Heel that means working on the calves, anterior tibialis, posterior tibialis, soleus, and the bottom of the feet. Pain or tension in any of these areas can be causing the heel to have more issues.
When it comes to things like mechanics, footwear and nutrition and a good healthcare provider will either have the knowledge to help you themselves or recommend someone who can help you with the issue. That is why it is always good to have a team of different healthcare providers.
Treating a Bruised Heel With 9INE POINT Health
h is the best place to start your search for a healthcare provider for a Bruised Heel. 9INE POINT Health lets you search for providers by type and skill. You can look for a Physical Therapist that also knows acupuncture and find the best local options. It does not matter if you need a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturists, sports doctor, registered dietitian, massage therapist or any other form of holistic medicine. 9INE POINT will help you to find and sort through their skills.
If you are unsure where to start your journey, 9INE POINT Health will ask you questions and help you figure out the best starting place. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and 9INE POINT Health will connect you with the type of provider best suited for your needs. It does not matter if you are injured or just sore.
The platform makes it easy to compare health providers as they are all given a 9INE POINT Number. Once you are shown the best local options, how do you know which is the best? Reading bios and reviews is just not enough because you need more than that. The 9INE POINT Number breaks healthcare providers down by engagement, reviews, and insurances accepted. Getting help for your Bruised Heel should not be hard.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
9INE POINT Health was created by 9INE POINT in '19 as a means to provide athlete-driven resources to "Protect Athletes' Minds, Body and Belly". As well as be a platform for healthcare providers and other specialists to display their knowledge.
