What Causes Severe Heel Pain?
March 18, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Severe heel pain can be caused by various conditions, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis: This is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, can cause pain in the back of your heel.
- Heel Spurs: These are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They are often associated with plantar fasciitis but can also occur on their own.
- Stress Fractures: Hairline cracks in the heel bone can cause significant pain, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, this condition involves compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through a tunnel in the ankle, leading to heel pain and other symptoms.
- Sever’s Disease: This is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, typically occurring during periods of rapid growth when the heel bone is not fully developed.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located near the heel, can cause pain and swelling.
- Bone Spurs: Over time, calcium deposits can build up on the underside of the heel bone, causing pain and discomfort.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition can cause inflammation and pain in multiple joints, including the heel.
- Nerve Entrapment: Compression of nerves in the foot or ankle can cause heel pain, such as with entrapment of the medial calcaneal nerve.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you’re experiencing severe heel pain. Treatment may involve rest, stretching exercises, orthotics, physical therapy, medications, or in severe cases, surgery.