Have you ever heard of the term Policeman’s heel? Perhaps you have been told that you have heel bruising or you know of someone that does have heel bruising. This condition is the result of the tissue that sits just beneath the end of the calcaneus or the heel bone. As we all know the end of the foot is called the heel, and there sits the heel bone. Under the heel is a layer of fat and this is there to provide some protection and a bit of cushioning to encourage bounce. When this area of flesh becomes inflamed it can cause distinct pain and discomfort to the area and the result is a condition known as heel bruising.

This fatty layer of flesh that sits beneath the heel is called plantar fascia. It is made up of small pockets and areas of fatty material. When the heel is placed under repeated pressure or undergoes one acute trauma it can break these fatty pockets and send some of the debris up the side f the heel. When that happens the heel is more exposed and less cushioned and highly likely to suffer from bruised heel.

When the fatty cushion of the heel has been broken down then it exposes the heel to further risk of jarring as there is little to buffer the impact in future. Elderly people who tend to lose fat and muscle as they age are more prone to heel bruising. This can be a painful and debilitating condition for them unless it si seen to by an orthopedic doctor.

Those who participate in running or hurdling can suffer from this type of heel bruising as well. Repetitive actions such as this can slowly but surely break the fat pockets down and leave the heel open to jarring and other bruising incidents. Should you have pain in your heel and suspect heel bruising it is strongly advised that you seek the advice of an orthopedic doctor.