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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the common causes of pain in the achilles and heel?

    Related Topic
    Sports Injuries & Prevention
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    Jonathan Harris

    Physiotherapist

    Jonathan Harris is a Titled Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist having achieved Master Degrees in both fields. As well as his undergraduate Physiotherapy degree he also … View Profile

    The Achilles tendon acts to transmit force between the calf muscles and the heel bone. If the Achilles / heel becomes painful it is most commonly the result of a bio mechanical issue. This means too much force is being transmitted through the Achilles tendon into the heel and it starts to break down and become inflamed. This is painful. The most common reasons these bio mechanical issues might occur in the first place are:

    1. A recent change in footwear
    2. Old footwear that gives incorrect support
    3. Dropped arches in the feet
    4. Over training
    5. Poor hip stabiliser control (gluteal muscles)

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    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    Another fairly common cause of foot or heel pain is a problem with your low back. 

    Pressure on the spinal nerves at the bottom of the spine can cause pain to refer down to the calf, ankle and foot, even mimicking Achilles Tendinopathy. 

    Sometimes this “Sciatica” pain can be present with numbness or tingling, but often it is fairly debilitating pain.

    Another common cause can be calf muscle tightness, which can be made worse by  a lack of magnesium. Often supplementation with a good (powdered) magnesium product can go a long way to helping people with foot and ankle pain. 
    Good luck. 

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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    Heel pain is very common and there are several common causes. It's important to make an accurate diagnois so that treatment can be directed at the cause. Some causes include;

    Plantar fasciitis - irritation and inflammation of the tight tissue that forms the arch of the foot, common with prolonged walking and standing
    Heel Spur - commonly associated with plantar fasciitis
    Tarsal tunnel syndrome - causes a large nerve in the back of the foot to be entrapped or pinched.
    Stress fractures - uncommon, however should be consitered in distance runners who have heel pain
    Posterior heel pain - can include achilles tendonitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, etc.

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