Pain - heel
Heel pain is often the result of overuse of the foot. It is rarely caused by a single injury such as a fall or twist.
Heel pain may include swelling or tenderness. It may be caused by:
Conditions related to heel pain include:
The following steps may help relieve your heel pain:
Other treatments depend on the cause of your heel pain.
Call your doctor if your heel pain does not get better after 2 - 3 weeks of home treatments. Also call if:
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
Your doctor may order a foot x-ray. Treatment depends on the cause of your foot pain. You may need to see a physical therapist to learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your foot. Your doctor may recommend a night splint to help stretch your foot.
Maintaining flexible and strong muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet can help prevent some types of heel pain. Always stretch and warm-up before exercising.
Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
Pain - heel
Wapner KL, Parekh SG. Heel pain. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr., Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:section F.
Abu-Laban RV, Ho K. Ankle and foot. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al., eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 55.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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