Heel pain is a common foot issue. But many seem to ignore it. Heel pain can be excruciating to the extent that routine activities like walking or climbing the stairs can become difficult.
Mission Viejo podiatry comprises foot and ankle specialists that offer state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat heel pain to limit your discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
Heel pain- introduction
Heel pain is a common condition that most people suffer. It usually occurs underneath the heel or behind it. Heel pain can result from overuse, injuries, or some medical conditions.
In most cases, heel pain resolves without treatment, but sometimes, it can persist and become chronic.
Possible factors that cause heel pain
Several factors can cause heel pain depending on the exact location.
Pain behind the heel
- Achilles tendinitis: Commonly seen among athletes that cause overuse injury of the tendon
- Bursitis: Prolonged standing can cause the bursa to swell
- Haglund’s deformity: An enlarged bony bump forms at the back of the heel causing inflammation
- Sever’s disease: This is common in children (8 to 14 years) and damages the growth plate due to athletic activities
Pain beneath the heel
- Contusion: Injury due to a hard and blunt object
- Plantar fasciitis: Here the plantar surface of the foot tears or stretches
- Heel spurs: Chronic plantar fasciitis cause a bony growth on the heel
Symptoms that require medical attention
Heel pain presents with the following symptoms:
- A prominent bony protrusion on the heel
- Bruising or redness
- Swelling and tenderness
- Stiffness of the heel
- Pain after standing from a resting position
However, if your pain becomes severe with sudden swelling, and redness, negatively impacting your ability to walk or stand, it is important to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist (foot specialist).
Diagnostic methods for heel pain
During your initial consultation, your doctor will clinically examine your heel to assess the swelling and discoloration.
You may be ordered for diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI, for detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissues of your heels, feet, and ankles.
Treatment options for heel pain
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.
Conservative measures to relieve pain and swelling
- Adequate rest
- Intermittent ice packs
- OTC painkillers
- Custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts)
- Night splint
- Physical therapy
Other treatments
- MLS (multi-wave locked system) laser therapy: Uses light energy to trigger your body’s natural healing process
- Radial shock wave therapy: Uses high-energy acoustic waves to improve blood circulation to the heels
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma), steroid, and amniotic graft injections
- Prolotherapy
Conclusion
Though heel pain is a common manifestation, it should not be ignored. The longer you have heel pain, the harder it is to treat, so it is important to get evaluated.