OverviewWhat is heel pain?Heel pain is a common foot and ankle problem. Pain may occur underneath the heel or behind it. Many conditions can cause pain in the heels, including: Show
It’s important to have a medical evaluation to help you determine the exact cause of your heel pain so that the proper treatment regimen can begin. Heel pain can make it difficult to walk and participate in daily activities. Most painful heel conditions improve with nonsurgical treatments, but your body needs time to recover. How common is heel pain?More than 2 million Americans experience heel pain every year. The problem affects people of all ages and genders. Where does heel pain develop?You might experience pain, soreness or tenderness anywhere in the heel. You typically feel heel pain:
What causes pain behind the heel?Several problems can cause pain to develop in the back of the heel:
What causes pain beneath the heel?Problems that cause pain underneath the heel include:
What are the risk factors for heel pain?Anything that puts a lot of pressure and strain on your foot can cause heel pain. The way you walk (foot mechanics) and your foot's shape (foot structure) are also factors. You may be more likely to develop heel pain if you:
What are the symptoms of heel pain?Heel pain symptoms vary depending on the cause. In addition to pain, you may experience:
How is heel pain diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and perform a physical exam. You may also get X-rays to check for arthritis, bone fractures, bone alignment and joint damage. Rarely, you may need an MRI or ultrasound. These can show soft tissue problems which X-rays don’t reveal. What are the complications of heel pain?Heel pain can interfere with your ability to get around, work, exercise and complete daily tasks. When it hurts to move, you can become sedentary. An inactive lifestyle can lead to weight gain. You may also become depressed because you can’t do the things you love. Untreated Achilles tendonitis can cause the tendon to break down (tendinosis). In time, the Achilles tendon can tear or rupture. This problem may require surgery. How is heel pain managed or treated?Most problems that cause heel pain get better over time with nonsurgical treatments. Therapies focus on easing pain and inflammation, improving foot flexibility and minimizing stress and strain on the heel. These treatments include:
It’s rare to need surgery to treat most causes of heel pain. How can I prevent heel pain?To prevent heel pain or keep pain from returning, it’s important to keep your foot and heel tendons flexible. You should stretch regularly and wear properly fitted, supportive shoes. Runners are especially prone to heel pain. You can prevent running injuries by covering fewer miles and running on softer surfaces. What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have heel pain?Heel pain typically goes away with nonsurgical treatments, but recovery takes time. You need to be patient and give your body time to mend. If you return to your usual activities too quickly, it can set back your recovery. In rare situations, you may need surgery. When should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Heel pain often improves over time with nonsurgical treatments. Your healthcare provider can determine what’s causing the pain. Your provider can also show you stretching exercises and recommend orthotics and other methods if needed. Many people try to ignore heel pain and continue with activities that make the problem worse. But it’s essential to give your body time to recover. Otherwise, you may develop chronic heel pain that sidelines you for an extended time. The longer you have heel pain the harder it is to effectively treat, so it’s important to get evaluated. How do you treat side heel pain?Treating heel pain
regular stretching – stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia. pain relief – using an icepack on the affected heel and taking painkillers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) wearing well fitted shoes that support and cushion your feet – running shoes are particularly useful.
Can plantar fasciitis cause pain on the side of the heel?What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the foot, most commonly causing pain in the centre and inner side of the heel. It's caused by damage to the strong band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel, beneath the arch of the foot to the base of the toes.
Can plantar fasciitis be on the side of your foot?Although many mechanisms can be to blame, side of foot pain is often due to overuse, improper footwear, or a combination of both, resulting in injuries including stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
What is the side of the heel called?In humans and many other primates, the calcaneus (/kælˈkeɪniəs/; from the Latin calcaneus or calcaneum, meaning heel) or heel bone is a bone of the tarsus of the foot which constitutes the heel.
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