Common Afflictions – Heel Disorders
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Relief for Painful, Inflamed Heels
Sharp pain, aching or stiffness on the bottom of one or both heels is a very common ailment. The pain is often at its worst upon awakening in the morning (or after sitting down for an extended period and then resuming activity), causing hobbling or limping for a few minutes before a comfortable stride can be resumed. As weight continues to be applied during walking or standing, mild or severe pain may persist.
Adults-whether office worker, laborer or athlete develop the problem most frequently, although children, too, can be affected if the growing bone becomes irritated.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain originates deep within the foot, directly on the heel bone or within the foot’s connective tissues, called the fascia.
Several layers of fatty tissue surround the heel bone, softening the impact or walking and running and protecting the bones and muscles of the foot. Beneath this padding, a fibrous band of connective tissue (the fascia) extends from the heel bone, supports the arch and reaches across to the toes. Pain can result when these tissues become irritated or inflamed, or when small spurs grow on the heel bone.
Inflammation
Most cases of heel pain are characterized by inflammation. First, the fascia begins to pull on the bone and the tissues become irritated, then inflamed. Inflammation of the fascia is called fascitis.
Heel Spurs
A projection or growth of bone may be called a spur, and can grow where the muscles of the foot attach to bone. While some heel spurs are painless, others that are determined to be the cause of chronic heel pain may require medical treatment or surgical removal (see “Surgical Treatments for Heel Pain”).
Other Causes
While injury, overuse or other temporary, mechanical causes can bring on discomfort in the heel, a painful heel may also accompany a more serious condition, such as:
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Collagen disorders
- Nerve injuries
- Heel bone abnormalities
- Tumors
Illnesses like these and others must be diagnosed and treated separately. Your podiatric surgeon may refer you to a local specialist if the problems are beyond his or her area of expertise.
Caring for the Painful Heel
In most cases, heel pain can be relieved without surgery. Treatment may include self-care, medications, therapy or orthotics.
Self-Care
Several steps can be taken to care for a painful heel at home. Take medications that contain ibuprofen or aspirin daily as directed, for as long as symptoms persist, to help reduce tissue inflammation.
Follow dosage directions carefully. As with any medication, be aware of potential allergic responses and discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs, or if pain is not relieved after several days’ use. Soak the heel in ice water to relieve pain and inflammation. This works best by placing the foot in a basin filled with tap water, high enough to cover the heel. Allow the foot to adjust to this temperature. Then add ice cubes (two or three at a time) every five or six minutes over a 30-minute period. Soak the foot in ice water three times daily and immediately after any activity. Heat may also be recommended, but ice is usually preferable.
Caution: People with diabetes or poor circulation should not use cold water or ice packs. Avoid sports and other vigorous activities while healing. Wear higher heeled shoes and choose shoes with heels made from soft rubber instead of leather. Running shoes are often the most comfortable. Stretch the calf muscles daily.
Non-Surgical Medical Treatments
If self-care measures do not relieve the pain, the podiatric surgeon may recommend various treatments to reduce inflammation. Some of these may include:
- Prescription oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce both pain and inflammation.
- Cortisone injections
- Foot taping and padding
- Physical therapy – The podiatrist or physical therapist may treat heel pain with ultrasound, electrical stimulation or hydrotherapy. Each of these methods may help reduce inflammation.
- Custom orthotics – A foam or plastic orthotic (custom-made to fit the foot) can often relieve the strain on the tissues and permit the heel to recover.
Surgical Treatments for Heel Pain
If nonsurgical medical treatments fail and pain persists, surgical intervention may be necessary. Both surgical procedures described below are usually completed on an outpatient basis in less than one hour. They are performed comfortably under either local anesthesia or minimal sedation administered by trained personnel.
Removal of Connective Tissue (Fascia)
During surgery to separate all or a portion of the fascial tissue from the heel bone, the podiatric surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of the heel. Then, the tissue is carefully cut away (see illustration A). A few stitches will be required.
Bone Spur Removal
Heel spurs may be removed during the same operation for separating the connective tissue from the heel bone.
Post-Operative Care
Immediately after either operator, a plaster cast may or may not be used to support and immobilize the foot for two to three weeks. Crutches may be helpful for greater comfort and mobility while the foot heals.
When the cast has been removed, three to four weeks of physical therapy will speed healing and reduce swelling. Provided there are no complications, recovery is usually complete in six to eight weeks.
When Can Usual Activities Be Resumed?
Normal daily activities can be gradually resumed as soon as pain subsides, or when recommended by the podiatric surgeon. Within a few days after surgery, most people begin moving comfortably. As recovery continues, activities can gradually increase.
Can Heel Pain Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, prevention is not always possible. If pain is related to too much activity or an abnormal foot structure (such as flat feet or high arches), modifying the daily routine to exclude activities that are stressful on the feet, should be considered. For example, jogging should be replaced with biking and/or swimming. If symptoms of heel pain develop, icing the foot should begin immediately. While these are some of the most commonly prescribed treatments for heel disorders, others may be used. The podiatric surgeon will determine which treatment is likely to be the most successful in each case.
© 1994-2009 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons