The Common Reason for Heel Pain

Image via WikipediaHeel pain is a common complaint of patients with many possible causes. Though it can be due to a systemic disease like gout or arthritis which affects any joint in the body, there are a lot more conditions that specifically affect the foot locally. For this reason, it is imperative to get the correct diagnosis based on the signs and symptoms, physical examinations and laboratory work because each condition is treated differently.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue that attaches to the Calcaneus or the heel bone to the toes of the foot. It is responsible for and maintains the arch of the foot. When walking or running, the plantar fascia is under constant stress. Oftentimes this structure gets injured when overstretched or overloaded. This can cause minute tears on the fascia near the heel bone resulting in inflammation and severe pain.

Plantar fasciitis often affects individuals who are overweight, pregnant women, patients with diabetes and those who wear improper footwear. Athletes like runners, volleyball players, tennis players and soccer players are also often affected. This condition also occurs in step aerobics, stair climbing, when lifting heavy objects or can also occur in the elderly due to degenerative diseases.

Signs and symptoms:

1. Severe pain when palpating the bottom of the heel.

2. Pain due to prolonged standing or walking.

3. Pain while resting which continues the following day.

4. Unable to walk straight.

Diagnosis:

Getting a thorough medical history, physical examination, taking note of pertinent signs and symptoms are important in arriving to a correct diagnosis. Also, diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-ray, ultrasound and other imaging modalities, laboratory work like blood uric acid levels can be done to rule out arthritis.

Treatment:

1. Rest the affected foot

2. Limit activities

3. Stretching before walking or any activity

4. Ice packs

5. Buy special footwear for heel pain (z-coil)

Surgery:

Although most patients recover from non-surgical treatments, there is a very small percentage where surgery is required for plantar fasciitis.