Is your heel pain a sign of a fracture—or does it have another cause? Overuse, stress, and accident-related injuries can hurt. But these aren't the only reasons for podiatric pain. If your heel hurts, take a look at what you need to know about the potential culprits, treatments, and your options moving forward.
How Do You Know If You Have A Fracture?
Fractures in the calcaneus, or heel bone, require professional diagnosis. While it is important to know the symptoms, you should never assume your pain equals a break. Compared to other bone breaks, these fractures are uncommon issues. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), tarsal bone (the bones of the mid and hind foot) fractures make up two percent of bone breaks in adults. Half of these fractures directly affect the heel.
Common symptoms of a calcaneus fracture include heel pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking or putting pressure on the area. If you have these symptoms or have a known injury, you will need an exam. The doctor will also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT (computerized tomography) scans. Treatment for a heel bone fracture may include immobilization (a cast or brace) or surgery.
What Are the Other Possible Causes Of Heel Pain?
Broken bones aren't the only possible causes of your pain—even after an injury. Overuse and injuries from activity or accidents can also cause achilles tendinitis, achilles tendon rupture, or inflammation-related pain.
Other possible causes of discomfort, pressure, or pain in the heel area include plantar fasciitis, peripheral neuropathy, an infection of the bone (osteomyelitis), bursitis, or arthritis. Like a fracture, these common conditions also require a doctor's diagnosis.
How Can You Treat Pain That Doesn't Come From A Fracture?
The answer to this question depends on the cause. A podiatrist can examine your foot, take a health history, evaluate the possible causes of the pain, and recommend a treatment that matches the cause.
Minor pain may respond to conservative measures. These could include home-care options such as rest, icing the area, foot supports/orthotics, or over-the-counter pain medications. You may also need to try specialized exercises or stretches at home. Some patients may need to change their shoe choices. Narrow, constrictive, or unsupportive shoes can cause pain or make existing discomfort more noticeable.
If these methods don't work, the pain is persistent, or you have a severe issue, the doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery.
For more information, contact a podiatrists service such as MARLBORO PODIATRY CENTER INC.
