Dr. Sanjay Barik
Knee & Shoulder Surgeon
Dr. Sanjay Barik
Knee & Shoulder Surgeon
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Sanjay Barik
Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Barik's Orthocare Clinic
- MBBS
- MS - Orthopaedics
Dr. Sanjay Barik is an experienced Orthopedic Doctor in Ramdaspeth, Nagpur. He is a qualified MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MS – Orthopaedics.
Heel Pain In Nagpur
Heel pain refers to discomfort or pain at the back or bottom of the heel and is a common symptom that can significantly impact your daily life. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot). Other possible causes include Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, bursitis, and certain inflammatory conditions. Heel pain is often characterized by a tingling sensation, especially during the first step in the morning or after rest. This may be due to overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or biomechanical issues. Treatment may include rest, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, and, in severe cases, medical interventions such as orthotics, physical therapy, and rarely surgery. It is very important to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to effectively relieve heel pain.
Overview
Heel pain is a common foot and ankle problem. You may experience pain under and behind your heel.
Many conditions can cause heel pain, including
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Achilles tendon or flexor tendonitis/tendonitis.
- Osteophytes.
- Sever’s disease (mainly in children 8 to 14 years).
- Bursitis.
- Stress fractures.
- Tendon inflammation.
To begin proper treatment, it is important to see a doctor to determine the exact cause of your heel pain.
Heel pain can make it difficult to walk and participate in daily activities. Most painful heel problems improve with non-surgical treatment, but it takes time for your body to recover.
How does Heel Pain Develop?
Heel pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and its causes are often related to certain medical conditions or factors that affect the internal and surrounding structures of the heel. Common causes and contributing factors include:
Plantar Fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes). Repetitive stress and strain on the plantar fascia from activities such as running or standing for long periods of time can cause micro-tears and inflammation.
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, can cause heel pain. Overuse, especially during activities such as running or jumping, is a common cause.
Heel spur: A bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs themselves are not necessarily painful, but they can cause pain by irritating surrounding tissues, such as the plantar fascia.
Overpronation: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as overpronation (curving the foot too much), can strain the ligaments and tissues of the heel and cause pain.
Arch Problems: Flat feet and high arches can alter weight distribution, affect foot biomechanics, and cause heel pain.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with insufficient support or an improper fit can cause heel problems. High heels in particular can cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet and can contribute to the development or worsening of heel pain.
Aging and Degeneration: The natural aging process can cause wear and tear on the supporting structures of the heel, increasing the risk of conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Injury: Trauma or injury to the heel, such as from a fall or impact, can cause pain and inflammation.
Certain medical conditions: Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and nerve entrapment syndrome can cause heel pain.
What are the Risk for the Heel Pain
Several factors and conditions contribute to your risk of developing heel pain. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and intervene in a timely manner when necessary. The most common risk factors for heel pain are:
1.Age:
Heel pain is common in middle-aged and older people. The natural aging process can cause wear and tear on the foot’s supporting structures, increasing the risk of conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
2. Foot Mechanics:
Abnormal foot mechanics, such as overpronation (curving the foot too much) or high arches, can alter weight distribution and place additional stress on the plantar fascia and other structures. It can cause heel pain.
3. Obesity:
Excess weight can put more stress on your feet and can lead to the development or worsening of heel pain, especially plantar fasciitis.
4. Occupational Factors:
Jobs and activities that require prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, or wearing unsupportive shoes may increase the risk of heel pain.
5. Sports and Physical Activities:
Certain sports and activities, such as running, ballet, or activities that place repetitive strain on the feet, can increase your risk of heel pain.
6. Improper Footwear:
Wearing shoes with insufficient support, poor cushioning, or an improper fit can cause heel pain. Shoes with particularly high heels can put strain on the plantar fascia.
7. Achilles tendon stiffness:
When the Achilles tendon becomes short or stiff, it increases the stress on the heel and can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
8. Flat feet:
People with flat feet (flat feet) may be at increased risk for heel pain because the lack of a defined arch can change the structure of the foot.
10. Inadequate Warm-up or Stretching:
Performing physical activity without properly warming up or stretching can place stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of heel pain.
11. Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and nerve entrapment syndrome, can make you more sensitive to heel pain.
12. Gender:
Women may be more susceptible to certain types of heel pain, due to the use of high-heeled shoes and a higher prevalence of conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
13. Previous Injuries:
Previous injuries to the foot or heel can increase your risk of developing chronic heel pain, even if they appear to have healed.
What are the symptoms of heel pain?
Symptoms of heel pain vary depending on the cause. In addition to pain, the following symptoms may occur:
- Bone growth in the heel.
- Discoloration (bruising or redness).
- Rigidity.
- Swelling.
- Kindness.
- Pain after standing up from a resting/sitting position.
How is heel pain treated or managed?
Most problems that cause heel pain improve over time with non-surgical treatment. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, improving foot flexibility, and minimizing stress and strain on the heel. These treatments include:
Injections: Steroid injections can reduce pain and swelling. Steroid injections are rarely, if ever, given for tendon problems, but they can certainly help with plantar fasciitis and bursitis.
Orthotics: Commercially available or custom-made shoe inserts (orthoses) can reduce heel stress. Some people find relief by wearing a splint when they have pain at night, especially in the morning. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need a walking boot. You may also need to switch to more supportive shoes for everyday wear or exercise.
Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) combined with ice packs reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: Soft tissue adhesions can be loosened by massage, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy. These treatments can reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching: Your doctor will show you how to perform heel stretches for tight tendons and muscles.
Taping: Sports tape or medical tape can be used to support the arch or heel.
Most causes of heel pain rarely require surgery
How the Heel Pain can be prevented?
To prevent heel pain, you need to make lifestyle changes, take proper care of your feet, and address risk factors. Strategies to prevent heel pain include:
Wear supportive shoes:
Choose shoes with adequate arch support, cushioning, and a good fit. Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time and choose shoes with good stability and shock absorption.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet and minimize the risk of diseases such as plantar fasciitis.
Stretch regularly:
Incorporate stretching exercises for your calf muscles and plantar fascia into your daily routine. Stretching regularly will improve your flexibility and reduce stress on your heels.
Strengthen your leg muscles:
Incorporate exercises to strengthen your leg muscles, especially the intrinsic muscles of your feet. This provides better support and stability.
Step-by-step training progression:
When exercising or playing sports, gradually increase the intensity and duration to help your feet adapt and minimize the risk of overuse injuries.
Proper Warm-Up:
Before any physical activity, be sure to warm up properly to prepare your muscles and tendons for the workout, thereby reducing the risk of strains.
Maintain Good Posture:
Pay attention to your posture, as poor posture can lead to biomechanical problems in your legs. Strive to maintain proper body alignment.
Orthotic Insoles:
Consider using orthotic inserts or orthotics in your shoes to provide additional support and adjustment, especially if you have flat feet or high arches.
Avoid standing for long periods of time:
If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, take breaks and stretch your legs. If you will be standing for long periods of time, wear supportive shoes and an anti-fatigue mat.
Hydration and Nutrition:
Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can cause muscle cramps. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet that supports overall bone and joint health.
Regularly Check Your Feet:
Check your feet regularly for signs of inflammation, blisters, calluses, etc. Address any problems right away to prevent them from developing into a more serious illness.
Proper shoe rotation:
Rotate your shoes regularly to prevent excessive wear in certain areas and to ensure that your footwear provides consistent support.
Treat foot injuries immediately:
If you experience a foot injury or discomfort, seek immediate medical attention. Ignoring early signs of foot problems can lead to chronic problems.
Maintain ankle mobility:
Include exercises to maintain ankle mobility, as limited ankle mobility can cause problems with foot mechanics.