How to treat heel pain

Heel pain can be both a symptom of a disease, and the result of local bottlenecks. The pain can be progressive and may begin abruptly. Usually you feel the pain on one heel, but you can have a pressure sensation on both legs. It can be triggered after strenuous activities or you may wake up  with these issues in the morning and will diminish throughout the day.

Causes that can trigger the pain

Heel pain can have many different causes at the base. From demanding activities ( uncomfortable shoes used for a long time, too long standing exercise – sedentary person) to certain chronic conditions.

– Achilles tendon overuse can lead to inflammation and heel pain (tendinitis ahileana);
– Achilles tendon rupture;
– Bone tumor;
– Fibromyalgia;
– Calcaneal fracture;
– Gout;
– Calcaneal spurs;
– Osteomyelitis;
– Peripheral neuropathy;
– Plantar fasciitis;
– rheumatoid arthritis;
– Tarsal tunnel syndrome;
– Bursitis;
– Pressed nerve;
– Obesity.

Prevention of heel pain
Given that a heel pain can be caused by many factors, it is necessary to know the exact cause, then try some solutions to prevent or mitigate pain.

– Avoid intense activities (jumping, running, or long walks down the heel);
– Apply ice on heels for 15-20 minutes 3 times a day to reduce inflammation and to relieve pain;
– If you have weight problems, get rid of extra pounds;
– Wear comfortable shoes;
– Acquires heel cushions for protection;
– Perform simple stretching exercises.

Symptoms

Depending on triggers, you can face several symptoms: bone deformity, swelling, infection, numbness, tingling, burning, change of skin color, progressive pain. If these symptoms last for a few weeks or pain is unbearable, consult a specialist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For diseases discovered and treated early, healing chances are more likely.

How to diagnose?

Your doctor makes a series of investigations to determine the cause of heel pain, in order to reduce it. First it performs a physical exam, after which it establishes exactly painful place, and may follow different investigation methods such as radiography, MRI, blood tests, depending on the path indicated by symptoms.

Treatment for heel pain

After setting the diagnosis, the doctor will recommend to protect the affected area for a while and exercise for calf and foot (medical gymnastic). It also can prescribe medications and analgesics. Medical rehabilitation involves other procedures (depending on condition): shock wave therapy, orthopedic devices, local infiltration of cortisone, and if these treatments do not work, they resort to surgery. Although heel pain may seem trivial, it should not be neglected because it can be a symptom of diseases that evolve slowly but surely. So if you are struggling with this problem often, go see a specialist for a diagnosis.