Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinosis is the soreness or stiffness of the tendon, generally due to overuse.
Heel Pain?
Information provided for educational purposes only. For diagnosis, individualized treatment, and medical advice please make an appointment to visit our qualified podiatrists. Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists treats a variety of conditions not limited to what is listed here.
The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and its ability to keep us on our feet. Heel pain, sometimes disabling, can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel.
Possible Conditions
Symptoms
Ache or pain and swelling to the local area of the ankle, or a burning that surrounds the whole joint
Causes
Injury, over-use, improper stretching
Home Treatments
Ice, compression, NSAIDs
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
If the pain doesn't go away with ice and rest, or if the pain persists beyond a week, it's time to see a podiatrist. Seeing a professional for treatment as soon as possible is important, because this injury can lead to an Achilles tendon rupture with continued overuse.
Calcaneal (Calcaneus) Fracture
Depressed (crushed) calcaneal fractures occur when the heel is directly or indirectly loaded with excessive force, such as in a fall from a height or in a motor vehicle accident where the heel may be driven into the floorboard.
Symptoms
Acute pain and a large amount of swelling over the heel, unable to bear weight
Causes
Fall, injury
Home Treatments
Immobilization, rest, ice, elevation
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
See a professional for treatment as soon as possible
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot.
Symptoms
Typically sharp and usually unilateral pain. Worsened by bearing weight on the heel after long periods of rest
Causes
Excessive running, standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods, high arches of the feet, leg length inequality, and flat feet
Home Treatments
Rest, heat, ice, calf-strengthening exercises, NSAIDs
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
If pain and other symptoms of inflammation—redness, swelling, heat—persist, limit normal daily activities and contact a doctor of podiatric medicine.
Haglund's Deformity
Bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone. Sometimes it's called “pump bump” because the deformity often occurs in women who wear pumps.
Symptoms
Enlarged bony prominence on the back of the heel, heel pain, blisters on your heels
Causes
High arches, a tight Achilles tendon, or a tendency to walk on the outside of your feet
Home Treatments
Icing, NSAIDs, heel pads, rest
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
If the pain persists despite your home remedies, or if the bump continues to enlarge, it's time to see a podiatrist.