Heel pain
Alternative names:
pain in the heel
Definition:
Any pain in the heel.
Considerations:
The most frequent causes of heel pain do not result from a single injury, such as a fall or twist, but by repetitive or excessive heel pounding. Tenderness and swelling may be present.
Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the ligament that is attached to the front of the heel bone and runs forward along the bottom of the foot, can be caused by: - feet that flatten and roll inward when walking or running
- shoes with poor arch support
- stiff-soled shoes
- quick turns that put stress on the ligaments
- too much distance running
Bursitis (inflammation of the back of the heel) can be caused by landing hard or awkwardly on the heel, or by pressure from shoes.
Achilles tendinitis, which occurs when the calf muscles repeatedly contract suddenly or with much force, can be caused by: - shortening of and lack of flexibility in the calf muscle
- shoes with inadequate stability or shock absorption
- sudden inward or outward turning of the heel when hitting the ground
- running on hard surfaces, such as concrete
Common causes:
Note: There may be other causes of heel pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for heel pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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