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Many people are concerned about what underlying condition might be causing their heel pain. This issue can significantly impact daily life, making walking and routine activities more challenging than usual.
1. Identifying the symptoms of heel pain
In some individuals, heel pain may occur suddenly without any prior warning. Many people report experiencing sharp pain in their heel immediately after putting on shoes, to the point where walking becomes difficult. Even after removing the shoes, the discomfort persists, particularly when attempting to lift the foot or stretch the toes forward.
Persistent discomfort in the heel
Heel pain can arise unexpectedly and cause significant discomfort.
In reality, symptoms of heel pain vary from person to person. Depending on the underlying cause, the location, intensity, and timing of the pain may differ, such as:
- Location: The pain may occur at the back of the heel, underneath the heel, or deep within the heel bone.
- Intensity: Pain may become more pronounced when transitioning from a prolonged sitting or lying position to standing.
- Timing: Discomfort often worsens in the morning upon waking up and stepping out of bed. However, after some movement, the pain may gradually subside.
2. Understanding heel pain: causes and risks
Heel pain can stem from various causes, including underlying medical conditions. Below are some of the most common health issues associated with this discomfort:
2.1. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a band of tissue running from the toes to the heel—becomes inflamed. Individuals with flat feet, high arches, obesity, or those who stand or walk for extended periods are more prone to this condition. The pain is often most intense in the morning upon waking or after prolonged sitting.
2.2. Heel spurs
Heel spurs often develop as a result of long-standing plantar fasciitis. These are bony growths that form on the heel bone, leading to persistent discomfort and pain.
2.3. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passage located inside the ankle, near the ankle bone. This syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed due to factors like fractures, tumors, ganglions, or heel spurs. It often results in pain, numbness, burning, or an electric shock-like sensation that radiates from the ankle to the heel, arch, toes, and sometimes the calf.
2.4. Achilles tendonitis or rupture
The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is crucial for walking, running, and jumping. When inflamed, it causes swelling, thickening of the tendon, and a heavy sensation in the leg. In some cases, bone spurs may also develop. If a popping sound is heard from the back of the heel or calf during activity, it may indicate an Achilles tendon rupture, requiring immediate medical attention.
2.5. Bursitis
Heel bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the heel become inflamed due to bacterial infection. Symptoms include swelling at the back of the heel, calf pain while walking or running, and redness or warmth in the affected area.
2.6. Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone infection. Symptoms associated with heel pain due to osteomyelitis include fever, fatigue, nausea, and tenderness in the heel, along with redness and warmth in the affected area.
2.7. Reactive arthritis
Heel pain may be linked to reactive arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis triggered by an overactive immune response to an infection. If left untreated, it can lead to severe musculoskeletal complications.
2.8. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organ systems, including the joints, skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. When it impacts the feet, it may cause heel pain along with fatigue, fever, and appetite loss.
2.9. Fractures
Repetitive high-impact activities such as intense exercise, sports, or heavy labor can lead to stress fractures in the heel bone. If a fracture is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary, and self-treatment should be avoided.
3. Effective treatments for heel pain
Various treatment options are available to manage heel pain, depending on the severity and underlying cause.
3.1. Medication
Patients experiencing heel pain may find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If oral medications prove ineffective, corticosteroid injections may be considered; however, long-term use should be approached with caution due to potential side effects.
3.2. Night splints
Wearing foot braces at night can help maintain proper heel positioning while sleeping. To ensure their effectiveness and suitability, patients should consult a healthcare provider before use.
3.3. Surgery
If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to correct the structure of the heel bone. However, this procedure carries risks, including weakening of the foot’s arch, so it is typically considered a last resort.
3.4. Use of orthotics
For heel pain linked to plantar fasciitis or flat feet, custom foot orthotics may be prescribed. These devices are specially designed to provide arch support and prevent complications caused by abnormal foot structure.
At ACC Chiropractic Clinic – a member of FV group and Thomson Medical Group Singapore, custom-made foot orthotics are customized using advanced Swiss Cad-Cam technology to precisely measure and fit each patient’s foot. This approach has successfully treated thousands of children and adults, including professional athletes in Vietnam.
3.5. Chiropractic care with physiotherapy & rehabilitation
Chiropractic adjustments can help restore overall body alignment, relieving heel pain. Once the discomfort subsides, doctors guide patients through targeted rehabilitation exercises to accelerate recovery and restore normal function.
At ACC Clinic, the treatment process incorporates cutting-edge medical technology, including:
- Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser to regenerate damaged tissues and speed up the healing process.
- RockTape Application to stabilize muscles in the heel and foot, reducing recovery time.
4. Effective strategies to prevent heel pain
Heel pain can affect individuals of all ages, but taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk. Consider the following steps:
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimize excess pressure on the heels.
- Choose well-fitted shoes that provide adequate support and ensure they are not overly worn on the heels or soles.
- Avoid uncomfortable footwear that causes pain or strain while walking.
- Reduce prolonged standing if you are prone to heel discomfort.
- Warm up properly before engaging in sports or high-impact activities that may stress the heels.
- Wear the right footwear for specific activities, such as running shoes for jogging, hiking boots for trekking, and cleats for soccer.
By following these preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of heel pain. However, if discomfort persists despite home remedies, it is advisable to consult with our doctors for proper evaluation and treatment to prevent potential mobility issues in the future.
👉 For expert consultation and comprehensive treatment, contact the ACC Clinic via hotline/Whatapp: +84 946 740 066 today.
