What causes heel pain. How can you treat heel pain at home. When should you see a doctor for heel pain. What medical treatments are available for heel pain. How can you prevent heel pain from recurring.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Heel

The foot and ankle are complex structures, comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 tendons. At the center of this intricate system lies the heel, the largest bone in the foot. This vital component bears significant weight and stress during everyday activities, making it susceptible to various forms of pain and discomfort.

The heel’s anatomy includes:

• Calcaneus (heel bone)
• Plantar fascia (connective tissue along the bottom of the foot)
• Achilles tendon (connects calf muscles to the heel)
• Bursa sacs (fluid-filled cushions around joints)

Understanding this anatomy is crucial for identifying the source of heel pain and determining appropriate treatment strategies.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain can stem from various factors, ranging from overuse injuries to underlying medical conditions. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most prevalent causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia ligament, which runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or damaged due to excessive pressure. This condition often results in sharp pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Sprains and Strains

Injuries to the soft tissues of the foot, including ligaments and muscles, can lead to heel pain. These injuries are often the result of physical activity, sudden movements, or accidents. The severity can range from mild discomfort to significant pain that impairs mobility.

Fractures

While less common, heel fractures can occur due to high-impact injuries or stress over time. These injuries are typically more severe and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include intense pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

Achilles Tendonitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, can cause pain in the back of the heel. This condition is often associated with overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals who suddenly increase their activity levels.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints become inflamed. In the heel, this can lead to pain and discomfort, especially with prolonged standing or walking.

Systemic Conditions

Some systemic conditions can manifest as heel pain. These include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis: A form of arthritis primarily affecting the spine
• Reactive arthritis: Triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body
• Osteochondroses: Disorders affecting bone growth in children and adolescents

Diagnosing Heel Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild heel pain can often be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. How can you determine if your heel pain requires a doctor’s attention?

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Sudden onset of intense heel pain
• Visible redness or swelling in the heel area
• Inability to walk due to heel pain
• Pain persisting for more than two to three weeks despite home remedies

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early intervention can prevent further complications and expedite the healing process.

Effective Home Remedies for Heel Pain Relief

For mild to moderate heel pain, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing. These strategies are often the first line of defense against heel discomfort.

Rest and Ice Therapy

Resting the affected foot is crucial for allowing the tissues to heal. Applying ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes twice daily can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. How should you apply ice effectively?

• Wrap ice in a thin towel to protect the skin
• Apply for short periods (10-15 minutes) several times a day
• Avoid direct application of ice to the skin

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about medication use.

Proper Footwear and Support

Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support is essential for heel pain relief. Consider using heel lifts or shoe inserts to reduce pressure on the affected area. Night splints, which stretch the foot during sleep, can also be beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Gentle Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the foot and calf muscles. What are some effective stretches for heel pain?

1. Calf stretches against a wall
2. Plantar fascia stretches using a towel
3. Rolling a tennis ball under the foot
4. Toe stretches and curls

Perform these exercises gently and stop if you experience increased pain.

Professional Treatment Options for Persistent Heel Pain

When home remedies fail to provide adequate relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Healthcare professionals can offer a range of treatments tailored to the specific cause and severity of your heel pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating heel pain by strengthening the muscles and tendons in the foot and lower leg. A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program to address your specific needs and promote healing.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications. These can be administered orally or through injections directly into the affected area. Corticosteroid injections, in particular, can provide significant relief for conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Orthotic Devices

Custom orthotics or specialized footwear can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing stress on the heel. These devices are particularly effective for addressing structural issues that contribute to chronic heel pain.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected tissues. ESWT can be effective for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to other conservative treatments.

Surgical Interventions

In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options vary depending on the underlying cause of heel pain and may include procedures to release the plantar fascia, remove bone spurs, or repair damaged tendons.

Preventing Heel Pain: Proactive Strategies for Foot Health

While treating existing heel pain is important, preventing its occurrence or recurrence is equally crucial. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of developing heel pain.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight places additional stress on the feet and heels. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing heel pain.

Choose Appropriate Footwear

Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate support is essential for preventing heel pain. How can you select the right shoes?

• Ensure proper fit with enough room in the toe box
• Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning
• Replace worn-out shoes regularly
• Avoid prolonged use of high heels or shoes with minimal support

Gradual Increase in Activity Levels

When starting a new exercise routine or increasing your activity level, do so gradually. Sudden increases in intensity or duration can lead to overuse injuries and heel pain.

Regular Stretching and Strengthening

Incorporate foot and ankle stretches into your daily routine, even when you’re not experiencing pain. Strengthening exercises for the feet and lower legs can also help prevent future issues.

Address Underlying Biomechanical Issues

If you have flat feet, high arches, or other structural foot problems, consider consulting a podiatrist. They can recommend appropriate interventions, such as custom orthotics, to prevent heel pain associated with these conditions.

The Impact of Heel Pain on Daily Life and Overall Health

Heel pain can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting mobility, physical activity, and even mental well-being. Understanding these broader implications is crucial for comprehensive management and treatment.

Altered Gait and Posture

Chronic heel pain often leads to changes in walking patterns as individuals attempt to avoid discomfort. This altered gait can result in:

• Increased stress on other joints, including the knees, hips, and lower back
• Muscle imbalances and compensatory movements
• Increased risk of falls, especially in older adults

Reduced Physical Activity

The discomfort associated with heel pain may discourage individuals from engaging in regular physical activity. This reduction in exercise can lead to:

• Weight gain and associated health issues
• Decreased cardiovascular fitness
• Reduced muscle strength and flexibility

Psychological Impact

Chronic pain conditions, including persistent heel pain, can have significant psychological effects. These may include:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Mood changes and irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased overall quality of life

Addressing these broader impacts is essential for a holistic approach to heel pain management and overall well-being.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Heel Pain Management

The field of heel pain management is continually evolving, with ongoing research and development of new treatment modalities. Staying informed about these advancements can provide additional options for those struggling with persistent heel pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the affected area to promote healing. This treatment has shown promise in addressing chronic plantar fasciitis and other tendon-related heel pain conditions.

Stem Cell Therapy

While still in the experimental stages for heel pain, stem cell therapy holds potential for regenerating damaged tissues. Research is ongoing to determine its efficacy and long-term outcomes in treating various causes of heel pain.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Improved diagnostic imaging, such as high-resolution ultrasound and specialized MRI protocols, allows for more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of heel pain. These advancements can lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans.

Wearable Technology

The development of smart insoles and other wearable devices provides real-time feedback on foot pressure and gait patterns. This technology can aid in early detection of potential issues and guide preventive strategies.

As research continues, new treatments and preventive measures for heel pain are likely to emerge, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this common condition.

Heel Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

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Heel pain can result from injuries like sprains and fractures. Some medical conditions, including bursitis and reactive arthritis, may also cause it. Treatment can depend on the cause.

Your foot and ankle are made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons. The heel is the largest bone in your foot.

If you overuse or injure your heel, you may experience heel pain. This can range from mild to disabling. It’s possible you’ll need to have a doctor or podiatrist diagnose the cause if simple home remedies don’t ease the pain.

There are several common causes of heel pain.

• Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure on your feet damages the plantar fascia ligament, causing pain and stiffness. Find out what causes this condition and possible treatment options.
• Sprains and strains. Sprains and strains are injuries to the body, often resulting from physical activity. These injuries are common and can range from minor to severe, depending on the incident. Learn more about sprains and strains.
• Fracture. A fracture is a broken bone. This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required. Know what symptoms to look for and who’s at risk.
• Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel becomes painful or inflamed due to overuse injuries. Find out how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
• Bursitis. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found about your joints. They surround the areas where tendons, skin, and muscle tissues meet bones.
• Ankylosing spondylitis. This form of arthritis primarily affects your spine. It causes severe inflammation of the vertebrae that might eventually lead to chronic pain and disability. Read more about ankylosing spondylitis.
• Osteochondroses. These disorders directly affect the growth of bones in children and adolescents. Learn more about the different types of osteochondroses.
• Reactive arthritis. An infection in the body triggers this is a type of arthritis. Find out more about its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.

If you develop heel pain, you may first try some home remedies, such as rest, to ease your symptoms. If your heel pain doesn’t get better within two to three weeks, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

You should call your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• Your pain is severe.
• The pain starts suddenly.
• You have redness in your heel.
• You have swelling in your heel.
• You can’t walk because of the pain in your heel.

If you develop heel pain, you can try these methods at home to ease your discomfort:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Apply ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day.
• Take over-the-counter pain medications.
• Wear shoes that fit properly.
• Wear a night splint, a special device that stretches the foot while you sleep.
• Use heel lifts or shoe inserts to reduce pain.

If these home care strategies don’t ease your pain, you need to see your doctor. They’ll perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and when they began. Your doctor may also take an X-ray to determine the cause of your heel pain. Once your doctor knows what’s causing your pain, they’ll be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment.

In many cases, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. This can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your foot, which helps to prevent further injury. If your pain is severe, your doctor may provide you with anti-inflammatory medications. These medications can be injected into the foot or taken by mouth.

Your doctor may also recommend that you support your foot as much as possible — either by taping the foot or by using special footwear devices.

In very rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem, but heel surgery often requires a long recovery time and may not always relieve your foot pain.

Heel pain can be disabling and affect your daily movements. It may also change the way that you walk. If this happens, you may be more likely to lose your balance and fall, making you more prone to other injuries.

It may not be possible to prevent all cases of heel pain, yet there are some easy steps that you can take to avoid injury to the heel and prevent pain:

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support the foot.
• Wear the right shoes for physical activity.
• Stretch your muscles before exercising.
• Pace yourself during physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Rest when you feel tired or when your muscles ache.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Heel pain or plantar fasciitis: Treatment, exercises, and causes

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• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
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Walking, running, and jumping can put a lot of pressure on the feet. Although the feet are sturdy and can handle large amounts of force, the pressure can build, and heel pain can develop.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, running causes an impact around three times the weight of a person.

A few different factors can lead to heel pain, but one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis.

This article explores treatments and exercise to help reduce heel pain, as well as the different causes.

Self-care treatments can help reduce the pain and inflammation linked to plantar fasciitis.

In some cases, a person might only require home treatment to provide all necessary relief.

The following self-care treatments can help:

Home treatment options

The following treatments are available to self-administer at home:

• Ice: Apply ice three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Applying ice directly to the skin can be uncomfortable. People should instead wrap an ice pack in a damp towel and place it on the heel.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs may also help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Ibuprofen is an NSAID available for purchase online.
• Orthotics: Foot orthotics are custom foot supports. A person places them in the shoes. Orthotics can support the arch, which helps evenly distribute the weight placed on the heel when a person walks. Arch supports are available for purchase over the counter or online, or a physician can prescribe custom-fitted ones.
• Splint: Wearing a splint at night might also help. The splint stretches the arch and calf, and may decrease discomfort.
• Switching activities: It might also be helpful for people to switch from high-impact activities, such as running, to exercise that is easier on the heel. Low-impact options include swimming and walking.

Medical treatment options

Although home treatments can be enough to decrease heel pain from plantar fasciitis, they might not always have the desired effect.

If home treatment is not successful, a doctor might recommend additional medical treatments, such as:

• Steroid injections: When heel pain persists, steroid injections are an option. The doctor injects an anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the heel. Frequent steroid injections can weaken the fascia, so injections cannot be given too frequently.
• Surgery: This can be a possible last resort. There are several different surgical procedures for reducing heel pain. For example, a procedure called a plantar fascia release involves partially cutting the fascia to reduce the tension of the tissue.

Share on PinterestCertain stretches can help heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis can disrupt workout routines.

Continuing to partake in certain activities can make heel pain worse, but remaining idle and avoiding exercise is not beneficial.

Exercise is still possible when dealing with plantar fasciitis. The key is to avoid activities that place a lot of force on the heel.

People should consider activities that do not usually involve heel impact, such as rowing, swimming, and lifting weights.

Stretches for plantar fasciitis

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, certain stretches can help reduce heel pain and prevent plantar fasciitis from reoccurring.

People who have plantar fasciitis pain in the morning might want to carry out the following stretches as soon as they wake up.

Seated Fascia Stretch

1. Sit in a cross-legged position at the end of the bed or a chair.
2. Place the affected foot over the knee of the other leg.
3. Grab the heel of the painful foot with one hand and the toes with the other hand.
4. Gently pull up on the toes, while at the same time pulling up on the heel. Bending the toes up stretches the fascia.
5. Bending the ankle up stretches the Achilles tendon, which may help decrease pain.
6. Hold the stretch for about 10 seconds.
7. Relax the foot and repeat 10 to 20 times. If both feet are experiencing pain, repeat the exercise on the other foot.

Seated Ankle Pumps

1. Sitting in a chair, hold the leg out straight and flex and extend at the ankle joint.
2. This exercise stretches both the fascia and the calf muscle.
3. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times on each foot.

Standing Calf Stretch

1. Place both hands on a wall, keep the back leg straight, and place the heel down.
2. Pull the hips forward towards the wall until the stretch is felt in the back of the lower leg.
3. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat several times.
4. If the heel on the opposite leg hurts, repeat the stretch on that leg too.

The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs underneath the soles of the feet. It connects the heel bones to the front of the feet and also supports the arch.

The fascia normally serves as a shock absorber, but repeated stress to the heel can lead to small tears in the tissue. This tissue damage causes inflammation in the fascia known as plantar fasciitis.

There are a few different causes of plantar fasciitis. The ligament can become inflamed due to repeated force from high-impact activities and sports that involve a lot of jumping. Wearing high heels may also place stress on the fascia.

Having a job that requires a lot of standing or walking increases the chances of developing the condition. People with flat feet may also be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Flat feet can cause an uneven distribution of weight when someone walks, which puts added stress and pressure on the fascia.

Share on PinterestChoosing comfortable shoes can help reduce symptoms of heel pain.

Stretching can be helpful in decreasing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and also preventing the condition from developing. In addition to stretching, a few steps might help prevent plantar fasciitis.

People can start by wearing the right shoes. Avoid high heels as they can place stress on the heel. Shoes with a moderate heel and sturdy arch support can help.

Be sure to always wear footwear and avoid being barefoot for long stretches of time. The lack of support could lead to heel pain.

Athletic shoes provide good support and cushion the feet. A 2011 study suggests that running or athletic shoes should be replaced every 500 miles. Start exercise slowly and gradually increase intensity to prevent plantar fasciitis.

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and sometimes the arch of the foot.

The pain usually starts mild, and people often feel it when stepping out of bed in the morning, as well as after sitting for a long period. Although pain levels can vary, discomfort often decreases after walking around for a while.

The pain from plantar fasciitis can last a long time, and complications can develop. Continued inflammation of the fascia can lead to the development of scar tissue. This can make the condition harder to treat.

Plantar fasciitis can also cause pain elsewhere in the body. For example, when someone has heel pain, they might adjust the way they walk without realizing it.

Knee, hip, and back problems can develop due to changing body movements.

Q:

Can exercises and stretches help heal plantar fasciitis?

A:

Yes. Plantar-fascia-specific stretching has been shown to improve symptoms on a long-term basis.

Exercises that strengthen the foot stabilizing muscles relieve the plantar fascia of pressure and can speed up healing time.

Gregory Minnis, DPTAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Heel hurts when walking: what can it be and what should be done?

Author of the article: Eduard Svitich – orthopedist-traumatologist

The heel area of ​​the foot is the part of the body that experiences the greatest load when walking, running, standing. Heel pain can permanently deprive a person of the ability to move freely, which is often the cause of exacerbation or the appearance of other problems. Unfortunately, both self-medication and not always justified treatment prescribed by a doctor often affect completely the wrong mechanisms that need to be influenced with such pain.

And if the traditional treatment, beloved by some patients, will have practically no effect, then the “heavy artillery” of hormonal injections or unnecessary operations can cause irreparable harm. In the article below, I will talk about the most likely causes of heel pain, possible ways to prevent them and safely treat them.

Contents

• Heel area features
• Most common causes of pain
• How NOT to treat heel pain
• How to treat heel pain
• Safe and effective solutions for treating causes and symptoms

Features of the heel region

The calcaneus is the largest and strongest bone in the foot. During the day, she experiences enormous loads, as she is the main point of support when walking, running, and standing in a calm position. A powerful Achilles tendon is attached to the posterior surface of the calcaneus, and a strong and wide plantar aponeurosis is attached to the lower surface. More than a dozen tendons and ligaments are in close contact and are attached in the heel area.

Bone protection is provided by a thick layer of adipose tissue and strong skin. Fat under the heel is “packed” into rounded granules for greater durability and cushioning. The thick leather of the sole has 5 layers and a large thickness to counteract adverse factors. The natural mobility of the joints of the foot, in particular the oscillations of the longitudinal arch and the heel bone itself, also helps to dampen the shock load.

The most common causes of pain

Acute and chronic pain can occur in the heel area, disease or injury can be the cause. In this article, we will pay attention to chronic pathology, since the issue of fractures and bruises is a separate complex topic. Chronic or acute non-traumatic pain most often occurs due to such causes as:

• plantar fasciitis,
• Achilles bursitis,
• Haglund’s disease,
• heel stress fracture,
• carpal tunnel syndrome (pinching of the nerve of the foot),
• foot fat pad degeneration,
• arthrosis and arthritis of the foot joints.

If the back of the heel hurts, the Achilles tendon is most likely damaged or overloaded. This form of inflammation can occur both in athletes and people who are not subjected to physical exertion. The pain in this case may intensify when you try to rise on your toes, after a long walk. Pathology is often accompanied by moderate swelling on the sides of the tendon, the intensity of pain ranges from sharp and piercing to excruciatingly aching.

The cause of pain along the lower surface of the heel is often a micro-rupture and inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis. Patients often think that a heel spur found on x-ray is causing pain, but this bony spike is just a sign of aponeurosis overload. The immediate causes of plantar fasciitis are foot deformities (flat feet, hollow foot), reduced elasticity of ligaments and tendons, and sports overload.

Other possible causes of pain are somewhat less common, but still quite common. Among the sources of inflammation can be both completely harmless and quite dangerous processes. Therefore, with any signs of foot problems, you should contact a specialist – an orthopedic doctor, a surgeon or your family doctor.

How NOT to Treat Heel Pain

Before considering important aspects of treatment, I would like to dwell on what you definitely should not do.

Features of the fat pad and skin of the heel exclude the effective action of any ointments or gels: they simply cannot get to the required depth. Therefore, topical application of anti-inflammatory or other agents has an extremely small effect. With a long-term problem, you should not use anti-inflammatory drugs orally – there is a risk of developing peptic ulcer, drug-induced inflammation of the kidneys.

Blockades with steroids are highly undesirable. In addition to the fact that due to the density of the skin and heel fat, the injection itself is extremely painful, there is a high risk of dissolving fatty tissue. In this case, the intensity of pain will increase many times over, and a completely adequate treatment in this case has not yet been developed.

The operation is just as dangerous. It is often prescribed after a long-term ineffective course of conservative treatment, but even the attending physician is not always able to accurately explain the benefits of surgery. Operatively, it is only possible to destroy the nerves that transmit pain, but they soon “grow back”. Any attempts to remove the bone spike, dissect the aponeurosis or the Achilles tendon in the future threaten with serious complications.

How to treat heel pain?

In most cases, the root of the problem of heel pain is purely mechanical causes: overloading the heel with excess weight, excessive tension on the plantar aponeurosis or Achilles tendon. Therefore, for a complete solution to the problem, it is worth focusing on the correction of biomechanics, and not on an isolated fight against symptoms.

Of course, in the period of exacerbation one cannot do without analgesic measures. These include a number of universal tips that will be effective in the short term in most cases:

1. Give your foot maximum rest. Lie down and do not load the foot.

2. Apply a cold pack or ice bottle to the painful area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this every 2-3 hours. It is important to apply something cold through a layer of tissue so as not to frostbite the skin.

3. If there are no contraindications, an anti-inflammatory drug should be taken on the recommendation of a doctor. This will not solve the problem, but will reduce the intensity of the pain.

In the period when the pain does not bother or is minimal, it is worthwhile to correct the condition of the foot. Useful exercises to increase the elasticity of the plantar aponeurosis, gastrocnemius muscle, mobility of the toes. Massage, reflex therapy (Lyapko applicators, massagers) can give a good effect. Significant relief is brought by the correction of excess body weight, while in many patients a good result is felt with a loss of even 2-3 kilograms.

Safe and effective solutions to correct causes and symptoms

The heel area experiences the greatest load during movement. The presence of flat feet, a hollow foot, a decrease in the elasticity of the ligaments leads to trauma to the heel, pain and swelling. Orthopedic insoles help to evenly distribute the load and relieve some of the stress from the heel. The presence of a whole range of insoles made of various materials in “ORTO SMART – Medtechnika, orthosalon” allows you to individually select the most effective option for each pathology.

When maximum cushioning is needed for cushioning the stride and pleasant support of the heel and the entire foot, insoles made of elastic, soft materials are the best solution. In many cases, the necessary correction of the “collapse” of the foot is achievable by wearing less pliable arch supports. They are equipped with gentle heel pads, so as not to cause any discomfort. There are models for everyday and sports shoes, shoes with high heels.

Individually made insoles give even more effect. With the help of a set of special rollers, corners, shock-absorbing heel pads, it is possible to consistently and fully select the option that will quickly eliminate pain. Various protrusions of the insole have a massage effect, regular wearing of an individual arch support stimulates the work of the own muscles of the foot and lower leg, normalizes the position of the parts of the foot, unloads the heel area.

Special ankle bandages help to eliminate pain in the Achilles area. They gently massage the area of ​​inflammation, regularly squeezing it with special anatomical inserts. Soft heel pads, shown to all patients with Achilles bursitis and Achillodynia, help to relax the calf muscle and reduce the tension of the Achilles tendon. They can come with a special bandage or be purchased separately.

causes, treatment, prevention at home

Any pain, including in the foot, is a signal from the body that makes you pay attention to this area. The feet experience tremendous stress on a daily basis, and it is not surprising that we can experience pain in the calcaneus. This is the largest bone in the foot, from below the plantar fascia is attached to it, and from above – the Achilles tendon, which connects to the calf and soleus muscles of the lower leg.

Most of the load in the standing position is on the heel. The heel cushions shock when walking, jumping and running. When shooting, burning, aching pain occurs in the heel, a person can hardly step on his foot and lead an active lifestyle. This is an occasion to consult a doctor and deal with the causes of heel pain.

Causes of heel pain

As a rule, heel pain is caused by an inflammatory process caused by various factors. This includes injuries, endocrine disorders, infections, and even autoimmune diseases. Let’s take a closer look at each reason.

Most often, heel pain is caused by injury to the heel bone itself and inflammation of the tendons and ligaments attached to it. All of the above can be summarized in one list:

• fissures and fractures of the calcaneus;
• inflammation of tendons and ligaments;
• calcaneus deformities;
• inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joints.

Heel pain can also be caused by various infections. Even previously transferred infectious diseases can cause heel pain, for example, if the infection provoked the development of reactive arthritis.

Complications caused by diabetes cannot be excluded. Heel pain can be the result of a trophic ulcer in diabetic foot syndrome and thrombophlebitis.

As we can see, there are many causes of heel pain, and its nature and intensity differ for each diagnosis. Let’s try to understand in more detail.

Fractures and fissures

According to statistics, fractures and fissures of the calcaneus account for up to 6% of all skeletal fractures, and in more than 60% of cases they are part of a combined injury, for example, with damage to the lower extremities ¹ . As a rule, they are caused by excessive stress on the feet. This may be a fall from a height with a landing on the heels. A pathological fracture is also possible with minor trauma, which is observed in people with osteoporosis. The pain during a fracture is usually very strong, so the victims do not delay a visit to the traumatologist. But even not too intense pain and swelling in the heel area is a reason to see a doctor.

Plantar Fasciitis

A wide elastic plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes. Fasciitis is an inflammation of the fascia that can occur against the background of flat feet, diseases of the joints of the lower extremities and increased stress on the foot. The inflammatory process usually develops at the site of attachment of the fascia to the calcaneus. If you are worried about severe pain, especially when taking your first steps in the morning, you should consult your doctor.

Haglund’s disease

The deformity of the calcaneus was first described by the Swedish surgeon P. Haglund, so the disease got its name. A bony protrusion forms on the back of the calcaneus, which causes pain to the patient when wearing shoes. There may also be swelling, lameness, difficulty in bending and unbending the foot. The reason for the growth of bone tissue in this area can be flat feet, inflammation of the Achilles tendon, high arch of the foot. With Haglund’s deformity, you should contact an orthopedic traumatologist.

Achilles bursitis and other lesions in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon

By contracting the posterior muscles of the lower leg, the Achilles tendon “pulls” the calcaneus and provides flexion of the foot. Thanks to this feature, we can run, jump and stand on our toes. Between the protrusion of the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon there is a joint bag that allows the tendon to slide freely during foot movements. Inflammation of this bag and the Achilles tendon is called Achilles bursitis. It is caused by regular microtraumas, pathologies of the foot and joints of the lower extremities. Foot movements during the period of illness are limited, when palpated, acute pain occurs, which forces the patient to go to the doctor.

Reactive arthritis

Sometimes inflammation of the joint called arthritis can develop after an infection. Often with reactive arthritis, it is the heel area that suffers. With untimely treatment, the disease can sometimes drag on for several years. It is important not to self-medicate to prevent reactive arthritis from becoming chronic.

Diabetic foot syndrome

In diabetes mellitus, peripheral circulation is often disturbed, which can lead to diabetic foot syndrome. It is accompanied by frequent swelling, decreased sensitivity of the feet, pressing and pulling pain in the heel. Diabetic foot syndrome requires treatment, otherwise the process will develop and may even lead to amputation of the foot.

Treatment of heel pain

Before consulting a doctor, it is important to limit the load on the affected leg. If the person is able to walk, shoes that are spacious and comfortable should be chosen that will not put additional pressure on the heel. Orthopedic insoles will help reduce the load on the affected area. It is not worth postponing a visit to a specialist, treatment in most cases is conservative: anti-inflammatory drugs, orthoses (fixing devices) and other devices to restrict movement, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy.

Surgery may be required for some diagnoses, such as Achilles tendon rupture and calcaneal fracture. Thorough diagnosis of heel pain is necessary to determine treatment tactics.

Diagnosis

When you see an orthopedic traumatologist for heel pain, you will most likely get a referral for imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI to confirm the diagnosis after the examination. With a fracture, the diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray, but the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is most often based on the clinical picture. Blood tests are often required to diagnose pain and confirm systemic inflammatory diseases. Computed tomography is necessary to determine the exact shape and position of the bones, while MRI is suitable for visualizing soft tissues and determining the condition of the bone.

Modern methods of treatment

Medical science does not stand still, and there are many modern methods of both surgical and conservative treatment.

Most foot pain is caused by foot deformities, such as flat feet. In this case, therapeutic exercises and wearing individual orthopedic insoles will help, which will help stop the progression of the disease.

For the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the tendons of the foot, conservative treatment methods are very effective: shock wave therapy or injection of platelet-rich plasma.

New methods of operations and modern metal fixators have been developed for surgical treatment.

Prevention of heel pain at home

To reduce the risk of foot injury, you should correctly dose physical activity, follow the technique of playing sports, be sure to resort to stretching and warm-up exercises. It is extremely important to select shoes according to the size, observing the features of the foot.

Strengthening the immune system, hardening and good nutrition will help resist infectious diseases. Since the entire body weight is on the feet, excess weight can contribute to various pathologies of the feet, so it is necessary to keep your weight normal.

Popular questions and answers

Popular questions and answers regarding the treatment of heel pain were answered by orthopedic traumatologist Alexander Karandin.

When can heel pain be dangerous?

— Pain that restricts movement cannot be causeless. In order to exclude life-threatening conditions that may be accompanied by heel pain (for example, the diabetic foot described above), you should consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor for heel pain?

— If there is an obvious injury or if the heel has become sore as a result of prolonged stress on the foot, it is not worth postponing an appointment with a traumatologist.