After a night of sleep, I wake up with stabbing heel agony. A recurring discomfort that appears after physical activity and lasts for several days. A fresh and uncomfortable bump on the back of your heel. Are your heels just sore, or is there something else causing the pain?
You spend a lot of time on your feet each day. So, aches and pains are rather frequent. However, if the pain comes and goes or lingers for an extended time, there could be another problem. The one thing that every heel pain has in common is that it indicates that your heel needs to be healed.
Continue reading to learn about the most common causes of heel pain and when to seek professional care.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation or injury to the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the sole of your foot and connects to your heel. This condition is typically caused by repetitive movements or anything that places a lot of strain on the arch of your foot.
Heel pain can occur during or after activity, as well as from standing for an extended period. If your heels hurt after walking or other physical activity, you will most likely experience a sharp stabbing pain in the arch of your foot or the bottom of your heel. This indicates that the plantar fascia has been irritated or injured due to overuse, and it likely needs rest and care.
A podiatrist, or foot and ankle specialist, can officially diagnose plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, there are effective at-home remedies for plantar fasciitis that can help manage and heal the pain. These include wearing more supportive shoes, resting, using heat and cold treatment, and performing focused stretches and exercises.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis may be the source of persistent pain above your heel or in the rear of your ankle during and after exercise.
This ailment occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, typically owing to overuse or a significant increase in frequency or intensity of exercise. This disease is very common in runners.
You'll probably notice a minor soreness that worsens with extended exertion. For example, discomfort or stiffness may occur after prolonged rest or exercise. However, the discomfort normally begins to improve with light movement or stretching during the day.
As with other overuse injuries, the best therapy for Achilles tendonitis is usually rest and avoiding or altering activities that cause strain. But if you have minor rips in your Achilles tendon, there’s a risk you may need surgery.
Haglund’s deformity
People with Haglund's deformity have a bony growth on the back of their heels, which causes pain and swelling. Haglund's deformity is often known as the "pump bump" since it is widespread among those who wear high heels. However, any shoe with a hard rear, such as men's dress shoes or ice skates, might irritate the back of the heel.
One of the most effective ways to ease discomfort is to invest in supportive shoes with soft backs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines and icing the heel can also be beneficial.
Heel bursitis
Another possible cause of back heel pain is heel bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a tiny sack of fluid that cushions and lubricates places where tissues rub together. Bursae can be found all over your body, including in and on joints that are prone to friction and pressure.
Bursitis therapies are similar to those for other heel ailments, including rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and the application of heat or cold packs. It's also preferable to avoid activities that will exacerbate pain, such as another round of tennis or slipping into uncomfortable shoes. If the discomfort persists or your heel feels hot to the touch, see a podiatrist.
Heel fracture
It is also possible to fracture your heel's big bone, known as the calcaneus. This might occur suddenly after a severe occurrence. Sometimes a heel fracture develops slowly as a result of overuse.
To diagnose your illness, the doctor will do a physical examination and obtain X-rays to establish the severity of the problem, which determines the type of treatment required.
Plantar bone spurs
Long-term, repetitive tension on the ligaments that link your heel to your toes might result in the development of a bone spur on your heel. These bony growths emerge while your foot attempts to mend itself.
Plantar bone spurs are relatively common, with one in every ten persons having one. However, only 5% of people suffer from foot pain caused by bone spurs. If you are experiencing heel discomfort, it is most likely caused by another condition, such as plantar fasciitis. Plantar bone spurs are common among persons with plantar fasciitis.
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