Heel pain, a prevalent issue in foot health, is frequently attributed to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. It is a discomfort that can manifest under, behind, or even on the sides of the heel, varying in intensity from mild to severe.
If persistent heel pain is neglected, it can potentially progress into chronic complications, prolonging recovery. Therefore, initial interventions often involve rest, orthotics, and stretching exercises, which are usually successful in alleviating the discomfort.
However, when these remedies are ineffective, professional medical consultation becomes necessary. While it’s uncommon, more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention to resolve the issue.
Let’s delve into some possible causes of heel pain.
What is heel pain?
Experiencing heel pain is a typical foot and ankle complaint, and the discomfort may be felt either under the heel or behind it.
Various conditions can contribute to heel pain, including but not limited to plantar fasciitis, Achilles or flexor tendinitis/tendinosis, bone spurs, Sever’s disease (primarily in children aged 8-14), bursitis, stress fractures, and inflamed tendons.
A thorough medical examination is crucial in accurately diagnosing the specific cause of the heel pain, enabling the appropriate treatment strategy to commence.
Heel pain can pose significant challenges to normal movement, including walking, and hinder participation in routine activities. Fortunately, most heel pain conditions can be alleviated through nonsurgical treatments. However, patience is required, as your body needs time to heal and recover.
What are the common causes of heel pain?
1. Plantar Fasciitis: One of the most prevalent sources of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue that connects the heel to the toes. The inflamed plantar fascia leads to intense pain, especially during the first steps after waking up or prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
2. Bone Spurs: Bone spurs, or heel spurs, are bony outgrowths on the calcaneus bone in the foot, causing sharp, stabbing pain when engaged in physical activities. Bone spurs often accompany plantar fasciitis.
3. Tight Calf Muscles: Overly tightened calf muscles strain the tendons connected to the heel, potentially resulting in chronic heel pain. Regular stretching and exercise are instrumental in preventing this issue.
4. Nerve Compression: Nerve-related conditions that irritate or compress the foot’s nerves can also cause heel pain. Identifying the precise condition requires professional diagnostic procedures.
5. Fractures: Heel pain can also stem from fractures, particularly stress fractures in the calcaneus bone. These fractures can occur due to high-impact activities or overuse.
6. Degenerative Diseases: As we age, changes in bones, joints, and protective tissues in the heel may lead to heel pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common culprits.
7. Achilles tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is characterized by inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the heel, often resulting from overuse or injury. This condition is sometimes also referred to as tendinosis or tendinopathy.
8. Haglund’s deformity: Haglund’s deformity presents as a bony protrusion at the back of the heel, typically caused by footwear rubbing against the heel, thus irritating the enlargement and surrounding tissue. Hard-backed shoes and pumps can aggravate this condition, often referred to as “pump bump” due to its association with such footwear.
9. Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, involves tissue compression of the significant nerve at the back of the foot, leading to pain. This compression neuropathy can occur in either the ankle or foot.
10. Heel bursitis: Heel bursitis is inflammation occurring in the bursa – a fibrous sac filled with fluid – at the back of the heel. This condition often results from landing harshly on the heels or pressure from footwear, causing pain either deep inside the heel or at the back of the heel.
Sites of heel pain
Heel pain can manifest at different locations on foot, each with potentially varying causes and treatments:
- Underneath the heel: Typically identified as plantar fasciitis, pain at this location can occur due to excessive pressure leading to tissue damage or tears, which subsequently cause inflammation.
- Achilles tendon: This is located at the back of the lower leg. Pain here can result from repetitive strain, such as tight calf muscles or sudden increases in physical activity and intensity.
- Side of the foot: Pain experienced on the outer side of the heel or foot is referred to as lateral foot pain, while discomfort on the inner edge is termed medial foot pain. Various conditions, such as stress fractures, sprains, and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS), could be responsible for this pain.
Risk of developing heel pain
The risk of developing heel pain could be heightened if you:
- Have excessive weight or obesity.
- Suffer from arthritis in your foot and ankle, or have flat feet or high foot arches.
- Engage in high-impact activities such as running or jumping frequently, either for sports or exercise.
- Spend extended periods standing, particularly on hard surfaces like concrete.
- Wear shoes that don’t fit well, lacking in appropriate arch support and cushioning.
When should you contact your doctor?
Should you experience heel pain, initial steps involve home remedies, including rest, to mitigate the discomfort. However, if the pain persists for two to three weeks despite these efforts, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if you:
- Experience severe pain.
- Encounter sudden onset of pain.
- Notice redness around your heel.
- Observe swelling in your heel.
- Are unable to walk due to the intensity of the heel pain.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
To diagnose your condition, your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They also recommend X-rays to identify potential arthritis, bone fractures, misalignment, or joint damage.
Additional diagnostic tests such as MRI or ultrasound might be necessary in rare instances. These imaging techniques can provide a detailed view of soft tissue abnormalities which are not detectable via X-rays.
How is heel pain treated?
In case of heel pain, some home remedies can help ease the discomfort:
- Ensure plenty of rest.
- Apply ice to the affected area twice a day for 10-15 minutes.
- Over-the-counter painkillers can be useful.
- Wear properly fitting shoes.
- Night splints can provide relief by stretching the foot while you sleep.
- Use shoe inserts or heel lifts to reduce pain.
However, if these remedies don’t help, a visit to the doctor becomes necessary.
Treatment can vary based on the root cause of your heel pain. It’s advised to seek medical advice if you’re uncertain about your condition or its severity.
How can I prevent heel pain?
Preventing heel pain involves:
- Taking active steps like maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the heel.
- Wearing well-fitted and supportive shoes.
- Incorporating a proper warm-up before engaging in strenuous activities.
Prioritizing foot health by choosing shock-absorbent shoes, replacing worn-out footwear, and resting when needed are also vital. Finally, seeking medical consultation is crucial if the heel pain is persistent or intensifies.