Nerve damage after 20 minutes of icing?

I have had a very painful heel for about 4 months or more. It comes and goes. At times I have to completely avoid putting weight on it. I play basketball and attributed it to repetitive impact and the way i walk, and land. So I have tried to let it rest as much as possible. I have iced it in the past with mixed results but some relief is evident so I did again last night. This was for maybe 20 minutes with a gel pack, right against the skin of the heel, back heel and sole of the foot. After I took the pack off the skin and heel felt burned, tingling, very painful...and it has gone on all night into today. The are feels hot to the touch and is visibly red. I am concerned that I did some permanent damage. Is there anything I can do?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I doubt you have permanent nerve damage from icing your skin for 20minutes. You may have a bursitis or plantar fasciitis of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury from repetitive microtears of the tissue on the sole of your foot. It is common in runners. The pain associated with it is typically worsened with standing or initial steps after prolonged rest. The treatment includes rest, icing the area, elevation, compression, medications (such as NSAIDs), and rehab. With regards to icing, I would limit it to only 10-15minutes at a time. If you do not improve with conservative measures, I would recommend that you get a referral to a podiatrist.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.