The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest among all the bones in the foot and bears the maximum impact of body movement. It is protected by a thick covering of fatty tissues which not only protects but also gives it its shape. Heel pain is a common problem that affects people irrespective of age and gender.
Whether you find yourself at your home, at your workplace or traveling to various activities at other locations, you are extremely dependent upon your feet to transport you each day. It has been stated that 60 tons of stress is placed on each foot whenever you walk a mile. Normally, your feet are designed to handle the workload of their responsibilities.
Causes
- Running, walking and jumping on uneven or hard surfaces
- Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support
- Being overweight
- Stepping on a hard or pointed object
- Direct injury to the heel bone
- Formation of bony outgrowths or heel spurs
- Diabetes
- Sprains or strains which affect the tendons and ligaments
- Fracture of the heel bone
- Medical conditions such as Neuroma, Bursitis, Arthritis, Flat Feet, Sever’s Disease, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis etc.
Conditions
If you are feeling discomfort in your heel, there are multiple reasons why it might be occurring. Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain, and the recovery period can sometimes be both lengthy and challenging. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that over 10% of the population experiences this condition.
You have plantar fascia that is located in your arch, and issues can occur if part of the fascia develops a tear. That, in turn, can result in an inflammation of this tissue that is located at the bottom of your foot.
Your risk of contending with plantar fasciitis increases if you engage in repetitive running, dancing or other forms of exercise that can place continual stress on your foot. This is also the case if your job requires you to stand on hard surfaces. Obesity and the aging process can also raise the risk of experiencing this condition.
If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, then you very likely will contend with a stabbing pain in your heel. This will usually emerge when you attempt your first steps each morning. The stabbing can also be experienced when you begin to walk after sitting for a long period of time.
Any attempts to ignore the discomfort without taking any steps to improve the condition can lead to long-term issues. It can also create additional health problems with your foot, hip, back or knee. This is especially true if you alter the way in which you walk without properly addressing the plantar fasciitis condition itself.
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form and continue to build under the heel bone. This is usually a gradual process and it occurs as the result of strain that has been placed on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Heel spurs can also develop if the plantar fasciitis condition has been impacting your heel for a lengthy period of time.
The risk of incurring a heel spur will rise if you engage in running or jogging on a frequent basis – particularly if the exercise takes place on hard surfaces. Obesity will also increase the odds of contending with heel spurs, along with any type of walking that stresses the heel bone.
A stone bruise can emerge if you have accidentally stepped on a hard object such as a rock. It can also develop if you experience an impact on your foot for any other reason. In either case, the situation can result in a painful bruise.
Heel bursitis is an additional condition that can emerge if the bursa become inflamed. Bursa refers to sacs of fluid that supply a cushion to the joints and bones in the foot. Continual stress from walking and certain athletic activities can create an inflammation of the bursa. Pain and swelling located in the back of the heel are indications that heel bursitis has occurred. You also might notice redness or warmth in the skin that is located at the back of your heel.
If you experience an impact on your foot that is significant, it is possible that your heel could break. This could take place after an automobile accident or a fall, and the result would be a heel fracture. This is a more serious health issue than the other conditions that were mentioned.
Symptoms
- Pain which can be mild to severe
- Inability to bear body weight
- Tenderness, redness, bruising may be observed
- Pain may aggravate in the morning while getting up from the bed
- Change in gait/ limp
- A feeling of warmth in the foot and heel
- Swelling
- Inability to bend the foot or turn the toes
- Numbness or tingling sensation
The stabbing pain that is associated with plantar fasciitis was discussed earlier. In many cases, individuals with heel spurs will not experience any symptoms. However, pain can emerge during the activities that were mentioned – running, jogging and walking. Pain can also occur when initially standing up after a lengthy period of sitting. This is similar to the timing of pain for plantar fasciitis.
The primary symptom related to a stone bruise is a painful feeling in the heel when you attempt to put weight on your foot. Discomfort that is also accompanied by swelling or bruising are the most common indications of a heel fracture. This is also the case if you are having difficulty when you attempt to walk.
Diagnosis
- Evaluation of the injured foot and heel by the orthopedic doctor
- Assessment of the patient’s medical history
- X-rays may be conducted to check for bone damage. MRI and CT scans help reveal soft tissue, blood vessel, tendon and ligament damage
- Nerve conduction tests may be done to check for loss of sensation
Treatment
- Wearing a splint over the heel at night
- Applying ice packs at regular intervals for 2-3 days
- Giving rest to the injured foot
- Wearing supportive shoes with proper cushioning
- Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed
- Avoiding any activity that may put stress on the heel or foot
- Strapping or taping may be advised to support the ligaments and tendons
- Shoe inserts, customized orthotics, heel wedges may be used for additional support
- Surgical intervention may be required in case of a fracture, for removal of bone spurs or torn ligaments and tendons
- Physical therapy and specific stretching exercises may be recommended to regain strength and motion
When To Visit A Doctor
If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling in your heel, then you should visit a physician immediately. This is also the case if you are dealing with numbness, tingling or the inability to walk.
You should also visit a doctor if you are contending with heel discomfort that lingers even if you are sitting, or if your pain has continued for several weeks.
Your physician will ask a series of questions concerning your symptoms, your medical history and the medical history within your family. Additional testing and imaging might also be involved in order to determine the origin of your discomfort.
Your physician might prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and discomfort. In many cases, physical therapy will become the recommended form of treatment. Surgery is less common but might be advised by your doctor based upon the specifics of your condition.
We, at OrthoTexas, provide effective treatment for heel pain and other foot conditions.
Your path to recovery starts here. Schedule an appointment with OrthoTexas or find a location near you.