Heel pain is discomfort, soreness, or tenderness in your heel. It happens underneath or behind your heel or within the bone itself. Heel pain can affect anyone at any age. Anything that exacts extreme pressure or strains your foot can lead to heel pain Scottsdale. The bony growth on the heel, redness, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and pain after standing from a resting position are the common symptoms of heel pain. In most instances, heel pain heals independently, but sometimes it can be persistent, needing medical attention.
Causes of heel pain
Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fascia is a strong ligament that runs from your heel bone to the tip of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed. The anatomy of your foot can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Heel bursitis: Your heel bursa, a fibrous fluid-filled sac, can become inflamed, leading to heel bursitis. This issue can develop if you land abnormally or get too hard on your heels. Pressure from specific footwear can also cause heel bursitis. When you have heel bursitis, you will mostly feel pain inside or at the back of your heel.
Haglund’s deformity: This condition is where you have a bony enlargement on the back of your heel. It results from footwear rubbing against the back of your heel, irritating your bony growth and surrounding tissue. Hard-backed shoes are the common cause of Haglund’s deformity.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This issue develops when tissue compresses your large nerve at the back of your foot, leading to heel pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can happen in your foot or ankle.
Stress fracture: Repetitive stress, sports, strenuous activities, or heavy manual work can cause injury to heel tissue. Runners are at high risk of heel pain due to stress fractures affecting the foot metatarsal. A stress fracture can also result from osteoporosis.
Sever’s disease: This condition mainly occurs when you overuse growth plates of the heel bone. It primarily affects children and young adults.
Achilles tendinitis: If the large tendon at the back of your heel becomes inflamed, it causes Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis mainly results from overuse or injury.
Treatment for heel pain
Pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen helps to reduce pain and swelling. You can combine these drugs with ice packs to ease the pain.
Injections: If NSAIDs do not reduce your heel pain, your doctor can recommend steroid injections to relieve pain and swelling. Doctors will mostly use steroid injections if you have plantar fasciitis or plantar bursitis.
Orthodontic devices: Custom-made shoe inserts can help reduce pressure on your heel. You can also wear a night splint, especially if you experience pain in the morning. If you engage in sports regularly, wear more supportive shoes.
Stretching exercises: If you are experiencing tight tendons and muscles, your doctor can guide you on the best stretching exercises.
Surgery: In some cases, your specialist can recommend surgery to detach your plantar fascia from your heel bone. Your specialist will recommend surgery mainly if your heel pain results from plantar fasciitis and persists for several months, even after other treatment options.
Heel pain is common, but you prevent it by wearing supportive shoes, maintaining average weight, and avoiding standing for prolonged periods. Schedule an appointment at Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists for heel pain treatment to relieve your discomfort.
