At a Glance:
1. Do you suffer from heel pain?
2. What are the causes of heel pain?
3. What are the symptoms of heel pain?
4. When should you consult the doctor?
5. What kind of doctor do you see for heel pain?
6. How does diagnosis help you?
7. How do you treat heel pain?
8. Do you need heel pain surgery?
9. What are home remedies for heel pain?
Cracking and popping noises in the feet may get bothersome. Should you be worried? Joints tend to make “popping” sounds either due to escaping gases, movement or tightening of ligaments, or roughness of the joint surfaces. You must talk to your doctor if there is any pain (and swelling) or weakening grip.
If these sounds are accompanied by pain, it is a cause for concern. Achilles tendon, which presents with pain along with a “snapping” sound, signals a ruptured tendon and requires treatment. Essentially, it is important to care for the heel since seemingly harmless pain can worsen. The person may even need to consult a doctor.
We will discuss more regarding when to seek a professional’s help in a later section.
Heel pain causes can be a variety of conditions. They may be hard to identify since heel pain is not usually caused by an injury, such as a fall or a twist. It tends to occur due to repetitive stress and the pounding motion of the heel.
Some of the possible causes of heel pain may be:
Heel pain can be caused due to a wide range of conditions, of which those listed above are some. Some general signs to look out for if you suspect heel pain are:
Heel pain can range from mild to severe, and consulting the doctor will help to alleviate any doubts regarding its severity. Some definite signs that you require medical attention are:
Your heel pain might be the cause of an isolated event specific to the foot. In this case, podiatrists or orthopedists are equipped to treat the condition. They can evaluate the underlying cause of the pain based on the recurring symptoms and suggest the appropriate mode of treatment. Surgery might be required if a condition like plantar fascia is not responsive to conventional non-surgical treatment like stretches, icing, rest, etc.
An accurate diagnosis helps the podiatrist or orthopedist to clearly identify the cause of your pain and treat it effectively. A precise diagnosis may involve:
Do not begin treatment at home without confirming the cause for your heel pain. This might aggravate the pain. In case you are unsure of the root cause of your condition or how severe your case may be, it is best to seek medical advice.
The following therapy options are often recommended:
Regular exercises and stretches that stretch out your plantar fascia or Achilles tendon help to strengthen your muscles and increase the stability of the heel.
In the case of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel bursitis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling. Steroid injections can be used as an alternative if the former is not effective.
Depending on your case, modifying your footwear or providing it extra support may help with relieving the pain. This can be done by:
Surgery is not usually the first route for heel pain treatment unless in severe cases like the rupture of the Achilles tendon. Even in the case of plantar fasciitis, surgery becomes an option only if other treatment options fail to work for a year or longer.
Your heel pain may be caused due to a variety of reasons. We will be discussing two reasons that may warrant surgery. These could be:
If you feel your pain is not severe and can be treated at home, then you may try these options:
Exercises that stretch out the calf are often helpful for patients with heel pain. If you feel comfortable and are assured that your condition is mild, you can exercise at home to help relieve your pain.
Stand while facing a wall. Place the foot with heel pain a few inches behind the other. Keep the back leg straight, with the foot touching the ground, while bending the knee of the front leg. Then, pull your hips into the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf of the back leg (the leg with heel pain). Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and repeat 4-5 times.
Stand on a step, ensuring that the heel of the foot with pain is hanging partially from the step i.e., stand on the ball of that foot. Try to lower your heel as far down it will go and hold for around 15 seconds. Repeat the stretch 2-4 times.
Preventing heel pain symptoms is essential for long-term care. General tips for the prevention of heel pain include:
Cracking or snapping sound in the heel can be a cause for concern. It may be due to a simple or serious injury depending on the cause. To treat it effectively, the orthopedist or podiatrist should figure out the underlying cause. Generally, heel pain can be treated with physical therapy, medication, splints, footwear modifications, etc. In severe cases of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, surgery may be recommended. In the case of persistent heel pain, consult an orthopedist at Yashoda Hospitals and follow a plan that can help your heel recover completely!
Read more about Heel Pain symptoms, causes and treatment
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About Author –
Dr. Shashi Kanth G, Sr. Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
He is specialized in arthroscopy, sports medicine, and orthopedics. His expertise includes Lower Limb Joint Replacement Surgery, Lower Limb Arthroscopy, Sports Injuries, Foot and Ankle Surgery, & Management of Complex Trauma.
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