Heel Pain: There are 7 possible causes for heel pain.

Dr. Moayad Ayoub - Talus foot doctors
hace 3 días
2 Min. de lectura

"Proper history taking , clinical examination and accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment and avoiding chronic pain"

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a foot and ankle specialist.

It can make walking, standing, or exercising difficult. Knowing the most common causes helps you seek treatment early and avoid long term problems.

1. Plantar fasciitis

It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.

Pain is usually worse with the first steps in the morning.
It improves slightly after a few minutes of walking but can come back after a long activity.
Often linked with a recent increase in weight or activity level.

2. Baxter’s nerve entrapmen

This is compression of a small nerve on the inner side of the heel.

Pain is felt closer to the arch and not at the center of the heel.
Commonly there is numbness or tingling.
Unlike plantar fasciitis, pain is not limited to first steps in the morning.

3. Heel fat pad syndrome

The fat pad under the heel can thin over time.

Pain is felt directly under the heel bone.
Usually seen in older patients or after multiple heel injections.
Pressing under the heel reproduces the pain.

4. Insertional achilles tendinitis

Inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.

Pain and swelling are felt at the back of the heel.
Pain worsens when standing on tiptoes or climbing stairs.

5. Calcaneal stress fracture

A crack in the heel bone caused by repetitive stress.

Usually in athletes or runners after sudden training increases.
Pain is severe and worsens with activity, improving with rest.
'X-ray or MRI are needed for diagnosis.

6. Lumbar nerve compression (L5–S1 radiculopathy)

Sometimes heel pain comes from the lower back.

Pain radiates from the back of the thigh to the heel.
Sometimes associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Needs neurological examination and sometimes MRI of the spine.

7. Calcaneal bone cyst

A fluid-filled cavity inside the heel bone.

May cause persistent deep heel pain or be discovered incidentally on X-ray.
Treatment depends on the size and location of the cyst.

Conclusion

Heel pain can come from several causes ,not just plantar fasciitis.

Proper history taking , clinical examination and accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment and avoiding chronic pain.

At Talus Foot doctors, our specialists can evaluate your heel, perform imaging if necessary, and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

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