Pain in the heel is a frequent foot problem. Symptoms include extreme pain when using the afflicted heel.
Typically, heel discomfort develops gradually and worsens over time. However, the pain is frequently acute and occurs when weight is placed on the heel.
In most instances, only one heel is affected; nevertheless, estimates indicate that approximately one-third of persons have discomfort in both heels.
Typically, the pain is at its worst first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity when you take your first step. Generally, walking alleviates pain, but it frequently returns after prolonged walking or standing.
Some individuals may limp or develop an unusual gait to avoid laying weight on the damaged heel.
Why is there heel pain?
Most instances of heel pain resulting from injury to and thickening of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue in the foot.
The medical term for the thickening of the plantar fascia is plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a robust, flexible tissue band that runs beneath the foot’s sole. It connects the heel bone to the foot bones and serves as the foot’s shock absorber.
Inside the tissue of the plantar fascia, microscopic tears (microtears) can develop as a result of sudden or accumulative damage over months or years. This might result in plantar fascia thickening and heel pain.
Additionally, the surrounding tissue and heel bone may become irritated.
When to see a physician
Consult your primary care physician or a podiatrist (specialist in foot disorders) if you have had persistent heel pain for several weeks that has not subsided.
They should be able to diagnose your heel discomfort based on your symptoms, medical history, and a thorough examination of your heel and foot.
- If you experience additional symptoms that imply the reason for your heel pain isn’t inflammation, such as numbness or tingling in your foot, which could be an indication of nerve damage in your feet and legs, you may require extra testing (peripheral neuropathy)
- Your foot is warm, and you have a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, which may indicate a bone infection.
- Your heel is rigid and swollen, which may indicate arthritis.
Blood tests, X-rays, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or an ultrasound scan may be advised as additional diagnostic procedures.
Managing heel ache
Several therapies might alleviate heel pain and expedite recovery. These consist of the following:
- Resting your heel – avoiding lengthy distances and long periods of standing
- Regular stretching — calf muscle stretching — and plantar fascia pain alleviation — using an icepack on the affected heel and using painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines — are effective treatments (NSAIDs)
- employing supportive devices, such as orthoses (rigid supports placed into the shoe) or strapping
- Four out of five instances of heel pain typically resolve within a year. However, heel discomfort of this duration is frequently unpleasant and severe.
- In around one out of every twenty instances, surgery may be required to relieve the plantar fascia.
Preventing heel pain
Being overweight can create additional stress and pressure on the feet, particularly the heels. Feet can benefit from losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Additionally, wearing the right footwear is essential. You should ideally choose shoes with a low to moderate heel that supports and cushion your arches and heels. Avoid wearing flat-soled footwear.
