We Treat – Heel Pain

This kind of pain arises due to injury or weakness in the heel. It is a common foot problem. Pain in the heel is usually caused by plantar fasciitis. Heel pain can also take place due to arthritis, tendonitis, stress fracture, nerve irritation, cyst, etc. Two most common kinds of heel pains are mentioned below.

Types of Heel Pain

Plantar Fascitis

This is a kind of stabbing pain that happens near the heel. It can be worse in the morning and usually increases after a long period of running, jumping and standing.

Symptoms:

• Limping.
• Tenderness in the heel.
• Pain in the heel while flexing.
• Pain after a prolonged period of rest.
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the heel.
• Pain in the heel after a long period of activity.
• The mild ache to sharp pain in the inside of the heel.

Ankle Ligament Injury

This is a condition when there is a tearing of ligament of the ankle. You will hear a cracking and popping sound when the injury happens and later on, the area starting hurting looks bruised and swells up.

Symptoms:

• Instability in ankle.
• Swelling in the ankle.
• Restriction in range of motion.
• Pain on walking short distances.
• Pain and Numbness when you put pressure on the affected area Bruising.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a condition that causes heel pain. This pain spreads from the bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. This bursa normally provides a cushion as you walk.

A bursa is a fluid-filled sac. Your body has many of them. They are found in areas where rubbing may occur, such as between tendons and bones. The fluid inside them helps ease friction during movement. If they become injured or irritated, you may feel pain.

Causes retrocalcaneal bursitis:

This type of bursitis is mainly caused by using the ankle a lot, such as running uphill. A sudden increase in running or similar activities can also lead to it. Athletes who wear tight-fitting shoes while practicing or exercising are more prone to the condition. So, too, are those who don’t stretch or warm up properly before such activities. Some cases may result from an infection or a disease such as arthritis.

Symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis:

Severe pain and swelling in the back of the heel are typical symptoms. You may also notice tenderness when the heel is touched. Tight-fitting shoes may become hard to wear. You may hear a crackling sound when you flex your foot.

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is caused by repetitive activity over a long period of time that results in damage to the tendon at its insertion. It is often seen in runners. Contributing factors can include older age, diabetes, being overweight, steroid use, changes in training, or shoes.

Causes of Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is caused by repetitive activity over a long period of time that results in damage to the tendon at its insertion. It is often seen in runners. Contributing factors can include older age, diabetes, being overweight, steroid use, changes in training, or shoes.

Symptoms of Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
Most patients report a gradual onset of pain and swelling at the back of their heel bone without a specific injury. At first, the pain may only be noticeable after activity, but it can get worse over time. In some cases, the pain may appear to come out of nowhere. The pain is often worse with activities such as jumping, running, or walking uphill. The heel area may get larger or swell, which can cause painful rubbing in shoes. It is often painful to stretch the tendon. Touching the area may be painful as well.