Heel Pain? Here are 5 Reasons that Might be Causing It
Do you wake up with sharp heel pain or experience recurring discomfort after activity, possibly accompanied by a painful bump on your heel? It's not just ordinary soreness – there might be an underlying issue causing your heel discomfort. Daily foot use is regular, and occasional aches are expected, but persistent or recurring sore heel signals the need for attention.
Explore the leading causes of this pain and understand when to seek help. Your heel might be signaling a need for care and recovery.
1. Plantar Fasciitis — The Leading Cause of Pain
Plantar fasciitis stems from inflammation or injury to the plantar fascia, a ligament that extends along the underside of your foot and connects to your heel. This pain in the heel typically results from repetitive motions or any activity that places excessive pressure on your foot's arch.
When and Where Does Pain Occur?
Plantar fasciitis pain can occur after activity or prolonged standing. It feels like a stabbing and sharp pain in your foot's arch or underside due to overuse.
A common sign is intense morning pain caused by the foot's resting position during sleep, which contracts the plantar fascia. Sitting for long periods can worsen this, but the pain eases as the tissue stretches with movement, promoting healing. Rest and care are essential for recovery.
Diagnosing and Treating Plantar Fasciitis
A foot specialist usually diagnoses plantar fasciitis. You can manage and heal this pain in the heel of the foot at home. Get supportive shoes with arch support and cushioning. Rest and avoid strenuous activities. Use heat and cold packs for relief.
Do exercises and stretches suggested by your specialist to strengthen your feet? Avoid going barefoot to reduce strain, and wear supportive slippers or shoes. If pain worsens or disrupts daily life, your specialist might recommend a cortisone injection or, in severe cases, surgery.
2. Achilles Tendonitis
Persistent pain above your heel or in the rear of your ankle during or after physical activity may indicate Achilles tendonitis. This condition arises from Achilles tendon inflammation, primarily due to overuse or a sudden increase in exercise frequency or intensity, making it particularly common among runners.
Symptoms of Achilles heel pain often begin with a mild ache, which intensifies with continued activity. You might experience tenderness and stiffness after rest or workouts, but the pain diminishes with gentle exercise or stretching during the day.
Rest and activity modification are typically the primary treatments for Achilles tendonitis, as they reduce strain. In cases involving minor Achilles tendon tears, surgery may be necessary.
For an official diagnosis and tailored treatments, consult a podiatrist. They may recommend physical therapy or using wraps, braces, or splints to alleviate strain and support tendon healing.
3. Haglund's Deformity
Any footwear with a rigid back, including men's dress shoes and ice skates, can trigger sudden heel pain without injury.
Haglund's deformity is characterized by a bony protrusion at the back of the heel, commonly known as the "pump bump" due to its association with high-heeled shoes. Apart from the bothersome bump, symptoms of this condition include:
Pain in the back of the heel where your Achilles tendon attaches.
Swelling at the rear of your heel.
Redness and inflammation on the back of the heel.
For pain relief, invest in supportive shoes with soft backs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and applying ice to the heel can also provide relief. Consulting a podiatrist is advisable, especially since Haglund's deformity can lead to another painful condition, bursitis.
4. Heel Bursitis
Heel bursitis, caused by inflammation of the bursa, results in back of heel pain. There are two types:
Subcalcaneal bursitis
You can feel the pain between the Achilles tendon and the skin on the back of the heel. Commonly associated with Haglund's deformity and caused by ill-fitting shoes, it leads to pain, redness, and swelling.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis
Found between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon, just above the tendon's connection to the heel bone. It's linked to Achilles tendonitis and Haglund's deformity and can be triggered by posterior calcaneal bone spurs. Symptoms include severe pain and swelling at the Achilles tendon and heel bone junction.
Pain in the heel treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatory meds, and heat or ice packs. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, like intense sports or uncomfortable shoes. If the pain persists or the heel feels warm, consult a podiatrist.
5. Heel Fractures
Heel fractures can occur abruptly due to a traumatic event, like a fall, a jump from a height, or a car accident. The sharp heel discomfort is unmistakable. A physical examination and X-rays assess the fracture's severity and determine the required treatment.
In contrast, overuse can lead to slower-developing heel fractures, often starting as small fissures in the bone. Causes of heel pain and its symptoms may alter depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Heel discomfort while walking is ordinary but may not disappear during rest. Pain is typically milder in the morning and worsens at night.
Avoid physical activity and minimize heel weight-bearing if you suspect a heel stress fracture. Seek a podiatrist's evaluation to prevent worsening pain or a complete fracture without proper treatment.
Getting Help for Pain — A Positive Move
Pain in your heel is a clear signal that your heel needs care. You can address it at home, including rest, ice or heat therapy, exercises, stretching, and choosing supportive footwear.
However, if the heel pain persists, consult a podiatrist. The podiatrists at Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists are experts in foot and ankle health.
We offer in-office treatments, suggest pain relief products and medications, and recommend therapies for healing. We are also skilled foot and ankle surgeons who can provide advanced care when necessary.
Book a free consultation with us today!