![Why Does My Heel Hurt? (1) Why Does My Heel Hurt? (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Michael T. Ambroziak, DPM, FACFAS
Foot & Ankle Surgeon from Michigan
Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
One of the most common questions I am asked by my patients is, “Why does my heel hurt?”
While there can be many reasons for heel pain, we as foot and ankle surgeons categorize heel pain into four major causes: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis and nerve pain. Diagnosing the specific issue depends on the exact location of the pain and how the pain affects the mechanical movement of the leg.
The most common cause of the heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. When patients suffer from this ailment, the fascia becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain or pain in the arch of the foot. Plantar fascia pain is a tell-tale sign there are mechanical issues going on in how the foot works. We typically treat plantar fasciitis first with nonsurgical strategies, such as stretching exercises; rest; shoe pads and footwear modifications; orthotic devices; night splints and injection therapy. While most patients respond well to conservative treatments, some require surgery to correct the problem.
Achilles tendonitis, or the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can also be a cause of heel pain. We often see this “overuse” condition in our athletic patients who play high-impact sports, such as basketball or tennis. They often have a sudden increase of repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon, which puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to microinjuries of the tendon. To treat Achilles tendonitis, we often immobilize the foot with a walking boot or cast and also use physical therapy, orthotics and ice to help repair the tendon. If the tendon is severely damaged or if nonsurgical treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary.
Another cause of heel pain commonly seen is bursitis, where the “fat pad” of the heel exhibits redness and swelling from inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac inside the heel, called the bursa. The bursa, which protects the heel from friction, can become inflamed from repetitive motion or irritation from shoes. In the case of bursitis, the heel and the toes are most often affected. Treatment may include resting the foot, ice and anti-inflammatory drug therapy, padding and corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation and relieve pain. Surgery may be necessary if conservative methods do not provide relief.
Finally, a somewhat less common cause of heel pain is nerve pain. When the nerves are involved, it feels more like a burning or electrical pain shooting or radiating down the foot from the heel, typically toward the toes. A patient will often tell me their heel “burns.” There are medications that may help with nerve pain, but in this instance, the patient tends to need nerve decompression surgery, a procedure to help “untrap” the nerve causing the pain. These patients tend to have several misdiagnoses before they visit with a foot and ankle surgeon to correctly remedy their pain.
Whatever your heel pain, I always encourage people to see a foot and ankle surgeon for a proper diagnosis. We specialize in only the foot and ankle and our training helps us effectively get to the bottom of what is ailing our patients
To find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s patient education website, or by talking with your family physician, diabetes educator or nurse practitioner for a referral to a local foot and ankle surgeon.
Michael T. Ambroziak, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon with offices in Bay City and West Branch, Michigan, has been in private practice since 1996. He is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Ambroziak is a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon and a Diplomat, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also a lecturer at foot and ankle surgical conferences nationwide.
FAQs
If you can, try resting as much as possible for at least a week. Apply ice to the painful area twice a day or so, for 10 to 15 minutes. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. If you need to, you can buy a heel cup, felts pads, or shoe inserts to comfort your heel.
How do I get rid of the pain in my heel? ›
If you can, try resting as much as possible for at least a week. Apply ice to the painful area twice a day or so, for 10 to 15 minutes. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. If you need to, you can buy a heel cup, felts pads, or shoe inserts to comfort your heel.
What is the main cause of heel pain? ›
The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, which affects the bottom of the heel, and Achilles tendinitis, which affects the back of the heel. Causes of heel pain include: Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendon rupture.
Why do I have heel pain in only one foot? ›
Most people experience plantar fasciitis in one foot at a time, but it's possible for it to affect both your feet at once. Visit a healthcare provider if you're experiencing heel or foot pain for more than a week.
How to stop feet hurting in heels? ›
How to ease heel pain yourself
- rest and raise your heel when you can.
- put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your heel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole.
- use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes.
Will plantar fasciitis go away on its own? ›
Does Plantar Fasciitis Cure on Its Own? Plantar fasciitis can go away on its own, but it can take more than a year for the pain to subside. Without treatment, complications can occur. It's better to see your doctor and start non-surgical treatments right away.
How to fix plantar fasciitis fast? ›
Plantar fasciitis treatment options include:
- Stretching and Physical Therapy. Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. ...
- Icing and Medication. ...
- Rest, Activity Modification and Orthotics. ...
- Shock Wave Therapy. ...
- Steroid Injections. ...
- Gastrocnemius Recession.
Does heel pain mean diabetes? ›
While there is limited data specifically on diabetic heel pain, foot problems are a common complication of diabetes, and heel pain can be a symptom of a range of conditions associated with diabetic foot problems.
What is commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis? ›
While it is a prevalent foot condition, it's crucial to recognise that several other conditions can mimic its symptoms. These include heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis.
Why does my heel hurt without injury? ›
Common causes of heel pain include obesity, ill-fitting shoes, running and jumping on hard surfaces, abnormal walking style, injuries and certain diseases. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligament that runs the length of the foot, commonly caused by overstretching.
Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) combined with ice packs can ease pain and swelling. Stretching exercises: Your healthcare provider can show you how to do heel stretching exercises for tight tendons and muscles. Taping: You can use athletic or medical tape to support your foot arch or heel.
What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur? ›
Heel spur treatments
- Ice packs after walking and exercise.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
- Injections of anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone.
- Stretching exercises, especially before bed.
- Physical therapy.
- Resting your feet.
What to wear for heel pain? ›
Comfortable shoes with arch support, a deep heel cup, a firm heel counter, or heel support are a great choice for reducing foot pain associated with heel pain. The best shoes for heel pain will align your feet to their natural position and evenly distribute your weight across your foot.
How long does it take for heel pain to go away? ›
The longer you have symptoms, the more time it takes to recover. It takes most people a couple of months to heal with regular stretching, icing, and avoiding activities that cause heel pain.
What is the best cream for heel pain? ›
Best medicated cream: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Medicated Gel
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Medicated Gel, which Jonathan Kaplan, MD, foot and ankle surgeon with Hoag Orthopedic Institute recommends, is the best foot cream I tested for localized pain relief.
What is the best medication for heel pain? ›
Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Put ice or a cold pack on your heel for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Is walking good for heel pain? ›
For other people, walking is a productive part of their recovery process. As long as walking isn't directly causing heel pain, it's okay to take a brisk walk for exercise or to walk for transportation. If your feet are sore after walking, make sure to stretch and ice them as soon as you get home.