How People Describe This Pain Pattern
Focused on the Heel
People complain of diffuse pain in the bottom of the heel. Often, they talk about pain when stepping onto the heel, running, or resting. Typically, they are protective when moving the ankle. They may have been told that they have heel spurs.
These patients don’t usually complain about pain along the back of the heel and Achilles unless they have a shoe that presses into it or they have pressed into the area with their fingers. They are more likely to refer to the pain up the Achilles as tightness.
Unusually Active or Still
When I press them for more details, they are more likely to have pain when they are very active (running) or still for long periods (sleeping) or when they’ve started being more active (walking). Examination usually reveals that the inside of the lower calf is much stiffer than the other leg. Runners and cyclists have more constant movement than, say, basketball players. So, they complain more about chronic tightness than pain.
How You Activate and Intensify This Pain Pattern
Ill-fitted Shoes
Ill-fitting shoes often create this problem in combination with unexpected vigor. A recent client had a problem with this after trying to dash across a busy street in high heels with ankle straps wrapped around her instep and up her lower leg.
Uneven Terrain
This is a common story where an ill-fitted shoe or unusual terrain is part of the onset of the problem. The tarsal bones become displaced, and the muscles around them tighten to protect compromised joints.
Sports, Misstep
Sometimes, these trigger points are activated by flexing the ankle too forcefully or repeatedly. However, there is often an ill-fitted shoe involved.
The Musculoskeletal Anatomy Behind Your Pain
Musculoskeletal Anatomy
This post on anatomy contains standard information about the origin, insertion, function, and innervation of muscles. Additionally, it includes information on functional considerations and anomalies.
Find Related Posts
Anatomy posts have a grid of all related posts. This includes posts on pain patterns, self-care, therapy notes, NMT protocols, cranial techniques, and cases.
Getting Relief on Your Own
Clinically Proven
Self-Care Strategies
Self-Care Posts have common sections to make them easy to follow and understand:
- Activities to Avoid or Change
- Strategies for Quick Relief
- Stretches and Exercise for Longer-Lasting Relief
- Yoga Corner
Therapy Notes for Massage and Bodywork
Better Bodywork
Through Shared Expertise
Therapy Notes provide details for cranial, spinal, and local joint work. These notes also link to a traditional neuromuscular protocol.
By treating integrative components first, direct work on the muscle becomes less intense while providing longer-lasting relief.
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Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.
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