Bruised Heel

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of problems. It may be due to a traumatic injury, such as landing on the heel on a hard surface, or may be an overuse injury, such as plantar fasciitis. Here are some of the most common causes of heel pain:
Plantar fasciitis - Inflammation of the plantar fascia which forms the arch of the foot
Bruised heel (fat pad contusion) - Often caused by repetitive pounding on the heel
Calcaneal fracture - A fracture of the heel bone, either caused by a direct trauma, or repetitive pounding resulting in a stress fracture
Calcaneal bursitis - Inflammation of the sack of fluid which sits under the heel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Entrapment of the plantar nerves as they pass round the outer ankle. Causes pain to radiate into the heel and arch of the foot

What is a bruised heel?
The heel bone (calcaneus) is protected by a pad of fat. Repeated pounding of the heel can cause the fat pad to be pushed up the side of the heel leaving less of a protective layer causing heel pain. This injury is also sometimes known as Policeman's heel. It is common in sports requiring a lot of impact onto the heel and in particular soldiers marching up and down on the parade square.

What can the athlete do about the heel pain?
-Rest until there is no more heel pain
-Pad the heel of shoes with a shock absorbing insole or heel pad
-Replace running shoes if they are old (more than 400 miles of running) or the soles are weakened through use

Bruised heel treatment
-A podiatrist or sports injury professional will confirm the diagnosis
-Advise on shoe inserts or heel pads to protect the fat pad in the heel should be sought from a podiatrist
-Taping of the heel can provide pain relief and compress the soft tissue under the heel giving more protection to the bone