Heel Pain

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain usually occurs in the lower or back portion of a person’s heel. It is a commonly observed condition and is rarely a symptom of a serious disease. However, heel pain can interfere with a person’s daily routine including activities like walking and exercising. The pain might get worse with time if not treated properly.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms include:

  • Pain in the lower or back portion of one or both the heels. 
  • Pain in the arch of the foot.
  • Pain in heels while getting up in the morning
  • Pain while taking initial steps after sitting for a period of time.

Causes

The most common causes of heel pain are the following:

  • Plantar fasciitis (bottom of the heel)
  • Achilles tendinitis (back of the heel).
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Bone tumor
  • Bursitis
  • Haglund's deformity
  • Heel spur
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Paget's disease of bone
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Fracture
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Risks

The risk factors associated with heel pain include:

  • Excessive exercising
  • Obesity
  • Standing for long periods
  • Wearing rigid or tight shoes

Prevention

Heel pain can be prevented by keeping the body weight under control and by wearing rightly sized, flexible foot wear. One should maintain an active lifestyle which includes regular exercise and a regular, healthy diet.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor examines the medical history and the family history of the patient. He also conducts a physical examination of the foot. In order to detect the underlying cause behind the pain, the doct...

How is it treated?

Treatment for heel pain includes stretching exercises, wearing flexible and soft footwear to support the heel, avoiding walking without footwear, avoiding sandals, flip-flops and tight footwear and avoiding strenuous workout. 


The d..

  • Ice Therapy

    The therapy involves application of ice on the heel in order to relieve pain.

  • Medications

    The doctor may opt for treatment through medications like non steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs that help in controlling the symptoms. 

     

  • Cortisone injections

    The doctor opts for Cortisone injections or steroid injections when oral medications render ineffective.

  • Massage Therapy

    Massage therapy helps in reducing swelling and provides immediate relief to the patient.

  • Foot supports

     Foot supports like heel cups and wedges are available in the market. They provide support to the heel while walking and help in reducing the pain.

  • Surgery

    When none of the above treatments work, the doctor considers casting or surgery. Surgery is usually avoided until other treatments have been attempted. In most cases, heel pain can be treated using conservative treatments without surgery.   

When do I contact the doctor?

One should consult a doctor if they are suffering through intense pain and swelling in the heel, problems while bending the foot, walking and while rising on the toes, heel pain along with fever, irritation or numbness in the heel, severe heel pain following an injury.

Book an Appointment

How does Medanta Provide care?

Medanta ensures expert care for its patients who are diagnosed with heel pain at the Bone and Joint Institute.The Medanta Bone and Joint Institute is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthesia and pain medicine spec..

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