Heel Pain

Heel Pain is a foot problem that occurs right under the heel or sometimes, behind it – the point where the heel bone meets the Achilles tendon. In rare cases, it can also affect the sides of your heel. The pain caused under the heel is plantar fasciitis while the pain you suffer behind the heel is Achilles tendinitis. The condition can even affect the outer or inner part of the foot and heel. Most often, the heel pain is not a result of an injury.

Mostly it gets cured without treatment, but prolonged pain needs diagnosis to prevent it from turning chronic.

Causes

• Heel bursitis
• Heel bumps
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• High arch foot
• Strain by running or walking bare feet

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain behind or under the feet
• Pain increasing in the morning and after long hours of rest

Diagnosis

To diagnose heel pain, you need to see an orthopedist for:

• X-Rays (to detect bony spurs)
• MRI (to detect tendinitis)

Treatment

Non-surgical Treatments

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs help in reducing swelling and pain.

Corticosteroid injections: If NSAIDs don’t work, your orthopedist may prescribe these injections. However, it is not always a trusted treatment process due to its side-effects after prolonged use.

Physical Therapy: You should do easy exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, and strengthen your lower leg muscles. Physical activities promote the stabilization of the heel and ankle.

Orthotics: Assistive devices and insoles can provide proper support to your feet and heal.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery for heel pain is the last option of treatment. In the process, your surgeon will detach the plantar fascia from your heel bone. You may need to use night splints that fit your foot and calf when you go to bed. It holds the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in a stretched position.

Do you have a prolonged heel pain that is not improving with medications? Come to us for a second opinion from Dr TDR.