Heel
Pain
(Pain
in
Heel)
|
Definition
Heel
pain
involves
any
discomfort
or
pain
in
the
heel.
Cause
Plantar
fasciitis
Bursitis
Achilles
tendonitis
Bony
spur
(Heel
Spur)
The
most
frequent
causes
of
heel
pain
are
not
single
injuries,
such
as
a
fall
or
twist,
but
repetitive
or
excessive
heel
pounding.
Tenderness
and
swelling
may
be
present.
Plantar
fasciitis,
which
is
an
inflammation
of
the
ligament
that
is
attached
to
the
front
of
the
heel
bone
and
runs
forward
along
the
bottom
of
the
foot,
can
be
caused
by:
- Feet
that
flatten
and
roll
inward
when
walking
or
running
- Shoes
with
poor
arch
support
- Stiff-soled
shoes
- Quick
turns
that
put
stress
on
the
ligaments
- Too
much
distance
running
- Heel
bursitis
(inflammation
of
the
back
of
the
heel)
can
be
caused
by
landing
hard
or
awkwardly
on
the
heel,
or
by
pressure
from
shoes.
Achilles
tendonitis,
which
occurs
when
the
calf
muscles
repeatedly
contract
suddenly
or
with
much
force,
can
be
caused
by:
- Shortening
of
and
lack
of
flexibility
in
the
calf
muscle
- Shoes
with
inadequate
stability
or
shock
absorption
- Sudden
inward
or
outward
turning
of
the
heel
when
hitting
the
ground
- Running
on
hard
surfaces,
such
as
concrete
Home
Care
For
plantar
fasciitis,
when
the
pain
is
usually
on
the
bottom
of
the
foot
about
1
to
2
inches
from
the
back
edge
of
the
heel:
- Rest
as
much
as
possible
for
at
least
a
week.
- Use
over-the-counter
analgesics
for
pain
relief,
if
needed.
- Wear
proper-fitting
shoes.
- Avoid
shoes
with
excessively
low
heels.
- A
heel
cup,
felt
pads
in
the
heel
area,
or
an
orthotic
device
may
help.
- The
most
important
thing
to
do
is
refrain
from
the
activity
that
caused
the
problem
and
allow
the
injury
to
heal.
Be
patient;
this
problem
can
take
a
year
or
more
to
go
away.
For
bursitis,
when
the
pain
and
swelling
is
just
above
the
back
of
the
heel
or
on
the
bottom
of
the
heel
near
the
back
edge):
- Rest
as
much
as
possible
for
at
least
a
week.
- Use
over-the-counter
analgesics
for
pain
relief,
if
needed.
- Wear
new
shoes
or
stretch
your
old
shoes
to
avoid
rubbing
against
the
heel.
- Pressure
from
the
bump
may
be
relieved
by
applying
moleskin
to
the
affected
area.
For
Achilles
tendonitis,
when
the
pain
and
tenderness
is
in
the
Achilles
tendon,
usually
about
2
to
3
inches
above
the
bottom
edge
of
the
heel:
- Avoid
exercise
and
apply
ice
twice
a
day
to
the
tendon.
- Use
over-the-counter
analgesics
for
pain
relief
and
to
reduce
inflammation.
- Following
a
week
or
more
of
rest,
proper
stretching
is
the
most
important
treatment.
Signs
and
Tests
Your
health
care
provider
will
obtain
your
medical
history
and
will
perform
a
physical
examination.
Medical
history
questions
documenting
heel
pain
may
include
the
following:
- Time
pattern
Is
this
the
first
time
that
you
have
had
this
type
of
heel
pain?
When
did
the
pain
begin?
If
the
pain
is
long
term,
at
what
age
did
pain
begin?
How
long
does
each
episode
of
pain
last?
- Associated
complaints:
Is
there
enlargement
of
the
bone?
- Location
Is
the
pain
in
the
joint?
Is
it
in
the
back
of
the
heel
(posterior)?
Is
the
pain
on
the
bottom
of
the
foot
about
1
to
2
inches
from
the
back
edge
of
the
heel?
Is
the
pain
just
above
the
back
of
the
heel
or
on
the
bottom
of
the
heel
near
the
back
edge?
Is
the
pain
only
on
one
side
(unilateral)?
Is
it
in
the
tendon
at
the
back
of
the
heel
(Achilles
tendon)?
- Quality
Is
the
pain
dull
and
aching?
Is
the
pain
sharp
and
stabbing?
- Aggravating
factors
Is
it
worse
after
you
exercise?
Is
it
worse
when
you
are
standing?
Have
you
had
a
fall
recently?
Have
you
twisted
your
foot
recently?
Are
you
a
runner?
How
far
do
you
run?
How
often
do
you
run?
Where
do
you
run?
Do
you
walk
or
stand
on
your
feet
often?
What
kind
of
shoes
do
you
wear?
- Other
What
other
symptoms
are
present?
Is
the
heel
swollen?
Treatment
The
physical
examination
will
include
a
detailed
examination
of
the
foot
and
leg.
Diagnostic
tests
that
may
be
performed
include
a
foot
X-ray
(extremity
X-ray),
focusing
on
the
heel.
If
either
plantar
fasciitis
or
bursitis
is
diagnosed
and
if
shoe
changes
and
the
use
of
orthotics
have
not
been
successful,
cortisone
injections
may
be
tried.
Surgery
is
a
last
resort
and
is
seldom
necessary.
If
Achilles
tendonitis
is
diagnosed,
an
oral
anti-inflammatory
medicine
may
be
prescribed.
Heel
lifts
may
be
used.
In
particularly
unresponsive
cases,
a
walking
cast
may
be
helpful.
Surgery
is
not
usually
necessary.
Recommendation
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Pad
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Casual
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Pad
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Suede
Cover
Micro
Thin
Support
Orthoses
Silicone
Gel
3/4
length
inserts
Plastic
Heel
Control
Cups
Silicone
Gel
Heel
Pads
w/
Spot
Depr.
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
This
site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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