Heel pain can be debilitating, complicating even simple activities such as walking. The heel includes a large number of muscles, tendons and ligaments, which can make it difficult to determine the specific source of heel pain. After the cause is determined, treatment is usually fairly easy.
Types
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the most common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the band of tissue running under the foot becomes inflamed. Achilles tendinitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is another source of heel pain. Other causes include stress fractures, arthritis or bursitis, a swelling of the protective bursae at the back of the heel.
Causes
Heel pain can develop after an injury to the heel or gradually over time from repetitive pounding motions, such as frequent running or jogging, according to MedlinePlus. People with poor foot structure, such as flat feet or abnormal arches, may develop heel pain as a result of their anatomy. Improperly fitted shoes may be another cause of heel pain. Participating in sporting activities without stretching the calf muscles first could lead to the types of injury that manifest as heel pain.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnosing the source of heel pain is a physical examination of the foot and a discussion about the history of symptoms and activity, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sometimes, a person will have telltale signs that indicate one source or another. For example, someone may notice heel pain primarily in the mornings after waking up, which indicates likely plantar fasciitis. In other cases, the source of heel pain may be more difficult to diagnose. In these cases, imaging technology such as radionuclide bone scanning and magnetic resonance imaging may be used.
Treatment
Treatment for heel pain depends on the specific cause, but in general surgery is not necessary for most cases, according to MayoClinic.com. In fact, the heel often recovers on its own without any treatment whatsoever. Simple at-home care includes resting the heel, applying an ice pack to the foot to relieve inflammation, buying properly fitted shoes or shoe inserts and using over-the-counter pain medication to ease symptoms.
Prevention
One major thing people can do to prevent heel pain is to perform daily stretching activities of the foot and calf. Purchasing shoes with good arch support is also important for heel pain prevention. Also, individuals concerned about heel pain should avoid going barefoot, especially when walking on hard surfaces.
