Heel pain

Definition

Heel pain usually affects the bottom or back of the heel. Heel pain is rarely a symptom of a serious health condition, but it can get in the way of daily activities, such as walking.

Causes

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.

Heel pain also may be caused by other chronic conditions, injuries or some medical conditions that affect the bones and joints. Causes of heel pain include:

Chronic conditions that can cause heel pain

• Achilles tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Haglund's deformity.
• Heel spur.
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Plantar warts
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Injuries that can cause heel pain

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Calcaneal fracture.
• Heel bruise, also called contusion.
• Stress fractures

Medical conditions that can cause heel pain

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Bone tumor
• Osteomyelitis
• Paget's disease of bone
• Pinched nerve
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarcoidosis

When to see a doctor

Even mild heel pain can be bothersome, but you usually can safely try simple home remedies for a short time.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Have serious heel pain right after an injury.
• Have serious pain and swelling near the heel.
• Are not able to bend the foot downward, rise on the toes or walk as usual.
• Have heel pain with fever and numbness or tingling in the heel.

Schedule an office visit if:

• There's heel pain even when not walking or standing.
• Heel pain lasts more than a few weeks, even after you've tried rest, ice and other home treatments.

Self-care

Heel pain often goes away on its own with home care. Try the following:

• Rest. If possible, don't do anything that puts stress on your heels, such as running, standing for long periods or walking on hard surfaces.
• Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day.
• New shoes. Be sure your shoes fit properly and give plenty of support. If you're an athlete, choose shoes that are designed for your sport. Replace them regularly.
• Arch supports or orthotics. Arch supports that you can buy without a prescription can help relieve pain. Custom-made orthotics usually aren't needed for heel pain.
• Pain medicines. Medicines you can get without a prescription can help relieve pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).