Heel Pain

[April2]

What can cause heel pain and is there anything that can help it? Or, even better, make it go away?

[April2]

Well, I finally found out what I've got! My doctor had originally thought it was Planter Fascilitis but it is actually Calcaneal Bursitis. I guess there's not a whole lot that can be done except icing it, taking an anti-inflammatory and resting it when it's real bad. He said to wear good heel support and rest when I can and that if it gets real bad they can give me shots in the heel, which I really do not want! I guess there's not a whole lot that can be done then.

[marcie79]

I have been suffering from chronic heel pain for 14 years.  I am a healthy 30 year old woman and I don't know what to do.  I have had shockwave treatment, cortisone injections, orthotics, taping, NSAIDS, a fasciotomy and tarsal tunnel release.   I have spent a lot of time and money in trying to get my foot pain under control and nothing is working.  I do not have heel pain when I first get up in the morning.  I feel great.  My job consists of me standing for 12 hour shifts and the pain begins in my heel after 1-2 hours of standing.  It is a terrible aching, throbbing pain.   My job is very important to me and I do not want to lose it due to my pain.  Please anyone who might have any suggestions please help me.  This is a horrible economy and I will never find another good job like this in my area.  I am 5'8" and  I weigh 180 lbs, but my doctor says this has nothing to do with my heel pain.   There are other women I work with who weigh more than me and they have no heel pain whatsoever.   I was at first diagnosed with plantar fasciitis even though I didnt have the classic symptoms.   I had a fasciotomy and fasciectomy in my right heel and its still feels the same as my left heel.   Then I had an NCV EMG and it turned out I had pinched nerves in both ankles.   So I had a tarsal tunnel release in my right foot.  It has been 3 months since the release and am back to work but the pain is still the same.   Nothing has helped.  If anyone knows of what could be wrong please give me any suggestions or advise.  It will be greatly appreciated.  I have also been on lyrica, cymbalta, and high doses of NSAIDS and so far nothing has even made a tiny difference.

[April2]

Sabrena, One of the posters above said hers were worse in the morning too and it was heel spurs?

Well, I tried the heel inserts for my shoes and even though that feels better my heel has been really hurting lately. It's just my right one, I don't know why. I notice mine more towards the end of the day or if I've been sitting for awhile. I go to get up and have to hobble around for awhile. I'm not sure if it's worth going back to the doctor or not. I wish there was something I could do on my own. I hate going to the doctor. I'm tired of this, though.

[Sabrena123456]

I have pain in my heels, on both feet.  I have had no injuies to my feet or legs.  When I stand or walk, it is only my heels that hurt and /or are tender when my feet touch the floor.  I am in general good health, and do some walking, but not a lot.  They are most tender during the morning when I get out of bed, but the tenderness last all day and night.  Anyone ever hear of or have this problem?

[April2]

Thanks everyone. I mentioned the heel pain to the doctor and she barely glanced at it. She told me to get heel inserts for my shoes. She did feel my heel a bit and said I did have high arches. I don't know if that makes a difference. I guess I'll go look for the heel inserts. Is it the Dr. Schols gel inserts? Or does it matter the type?
She did say to wear a more cushioned shoe because I had been wearing more flats this Summer, which could be why I was feeling the heel pain lately. Is there a sneaker that is better than another, maybe, that would help with the cushioning and the high arches?
Thanks again!
April

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The main cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.It is due to irritation and inflammation of the tight tissue that forms the arch of the foot. The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is based mainly on the medical history and clinical presentation of the patient.

Other causes of heel pain are heel spurs(is most commonly seen in patients who have long standing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.),sciatica(a result of pressure on the L5-S1 nerve root),tarsal tunnel syndrome(large nerve in the back of the foot becomes entrapped, or pinched), entrapment of the lateral plantar nerve, rupture of the plantar fascia,  Achilles tendonitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Stress fractures of the calcaneus are another cause of heel pain.

Diagnosis after physical examination has to be made first and then only treatment can be started as it is cause dependent.General treatment includes rest to the part,cold compresses,exercises and stretches,anti inflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen(advil) and putting shoe inserts.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information.In case you need any more, then pls post us.Take care and regards.

[KatEyes]

What helps depends on what it is.

Mine was heel spurs. Hurt worst when getting up in morning or after sitting long time. Hot stabbing pain that made me walk on the sides or the balls of my feet. I used OTC heel inserts for spurs for a while, then orthopedic shoe inserts made by the ortho doctor. In the end had cortisone injections in both heels and PT to learn proper exercises to stretch the affected area. Shots hurt like the dickens, but within days pain was improved, and haven't had much trouble since (8 yrs). Just have to watch not to wear shoes where the arch is too far back and aggravates it.