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Contents of this page: | |
Alternative names
Pain - heelCommon Causes Return to top
The most frequent causes of heel pain are not single injuries, such as a fall or twist, but repetitive or excessive heel pounding.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick connective tissue on the sole of your foot that attaches to your heel. The pain is usually felt at the bottom of your heel and is often worse in the morning because of stiffness that occurs overnight. The following increase your risk of developing this painful problem:
Bone spurs in the heel can accompany plantar fasciitis, but are generally not the source of the pain. If you treat the plantar fasciitis appropriately, the bone spur is likely to no longer bother you.
Heel bursitis (inflammation of the back of the heel) can be caused by landing hard or awkwardly on the heel, or by pressure from shoes.
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel. This can be caused by:
Home Care Return to top
Additional steps:
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination, including a full exam of your feet and legs.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include a foot x-ray, focusing on the heel.
If either plantar fasciitis or bursitis is diagnosed and if shoe changes and the use of orthotics have not been successful, cortisone injections may be tried. Surgery is a last resort and is seldom necessary.
If Achilles tendinitis is diagnosed, anti-inflammatory medicine may be prescribed. Heel lifts may be used. In particularly unresponsive cases, a walking cast may be helpful. Surgery is not usually necessary.
Prevention Return to top
To prevent plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, maintain flexible and strong muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet.
Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning. If you pronate, look for athletic shoes with an anti-pronation device. If orthotics are prescribed by your provider, wear them in all of your shoes, not just while exercising.
Update Date: 11/13/2003 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Thomas N. Joseph, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/14/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |