Heel pain is common and can be caused by excessive stress, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or stress fractures. Treatment varies and should be based on an accurate diagnosis. Home remedies include rest, ice, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication. People with foot abnormalities, who exercise strenuously, are obese, or stand for extended periods are more likely to experience heel pain. Ignoring heel pain can lead to chronic conditions and more serious problems. Contact a doctor if heel pain persists.
Heel pain is an extremely common ailment among adults. Its causes can usually be pinpointed to excessive stress or foot stomping, although other causes may be more serious. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for a successful treatment plan and recovery.
Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is swelling of tightly wrapped tissue in the arch of the foot. Rest and heel elevation can relieve pain and swelling. The special ankle stretches should help shorten your recovery time.
Heel spurs are painful bony hooks located on the heel. These are often seen in patients with plantar fasciitis and may require surgery. Another fairly common cause of heel pain is tarsal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a large nerve in the back of the foot is pinched, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand. Stress fractures of the heel bone can also cause pain.
Signs that your heel pain may be severe and require medical attention include the inability to walk comfortably on the affected foot, pain that occurs at night or when you rest, pain that persists beyond a few days, swelling or discoloration of the heel, and any sign of infection or unusual symptoms.
Approaches to treating heel pain vary and it is very important that the cause of the pain is understood before starting a treatment regimen. As with any injury, patients should consult a physician before starting any therapy. Common home remedies include applying ice packs to relieve pain, exercising and stretching to relax the tissues surrounding the heel and bone, and taking anti-inflammatory medications, which are used both to control the pain than to reduce inflammation. A fairly cheap and common treatment is to use shoe inserts, which will allow the wearer to complete a task without additional stress on the heel.
People who are more likely to experience heel pain include those with foot abnormalities; those who undertake continuous and strenuous exercise; those who are obese; and those who stand for extended periods. It is also important to wear shoes that fit correctly to reduce the risk of developing pain.
Those with heel pain usually get better without surgery. Ignoring this pain can easily allow the condition to worsen, resulting in a chronic condition that can lead to more serious problems. Anyone experiencing foot heel pain that doesn’t go away in a few days should contact their doctor.
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