Jazz Forward Misses Game with Heel Pain

Marvin Williams of the Utah Jazz had an inflamed heel before his most recent game against the Pacers and was unable to play. The Jazz fell to the Pacers, 95-86. Naturally one might suspect Williams’ Achilles was acting up, as he had just finished recovering from tendon surgery, but he claimed that wasn’t the problem.

"It's not my actual Achilles, which is good news,” the starting forward said. “It's just my heel. My heel is really inflamed right now. It's causing a lot of discomfort (and) putting a lot of pressure on my foot right now."

Heel pain can sometimes be a symptom of a larger problem. If you are dealing with heel pain, it could be helpful to talk to a chiropodist like Marz Hardy of Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinics. Hardy can examine your condition and recommend a treatment that could work for you.

Causes of Heel Pain

â— Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
â— Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
â— Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                 
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change          
- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.    

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Heel Pain.