$Unique_ID{BRK01193}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Could Cause Severe Foot Pain Near the Heel}
$Subject{heel pain sports cause musculoskeletal system connective tissue
tendons tissues achilles corticosteroid systems tissues bone bones heels
fracture spurs bony calcaneus tendon fractures}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{
Achilles Tendinitis*0006203.scf
Heel Pain*0006204.scf
Anatomy of the Ankle and Knee*0016901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Could Cause Severe Foot Pain Near the Heel


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QUESTION:  Over a short period of time, I have developed a severe pain in my
left foot near the heel.  I thought it would go away by itself, but it is
worse now than before.  Can you possibly tell me what could be the cause and
the cure?  I could use some help.

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ANSWER:  There are several possibilities, there may be an injury or
inflammation to the tendons and surrounding tissues, or there may be a stress
fracture in the bone of the heel.  The best way to find out is to get a
careful examination by your doctor.  He can isolate the area of pain, for the
exact location of the pain is an important clue in determining the diagnosis.
Once the cause is found, it can be treated.
     The Achilles tendon is often the site of injury, sometimes caused by
nothing more than walking.  The Achilles tendon is the major tendon to the
heel, running down the back of the foot.  Athletic activity can aggravate the
problem.  Often the best treatment is just resting the foot.
     Older people often lose the fat pad from their heels, creating a hard,
bony surface on which to walk.  This causes pain.  Again, it is aggravated by
walking or running.  Rest and an anti-inflammatory drug is often the only
treatment necessary.  Sometimes the foot is wrapped in a supportive bandage,
to relieve pressure on the sore part.
     A fracture of the heel is seen more commonly in athletes, but it can also
occur in the nonathlete as he goes about his daily activity.  Sometimes the
fracture is so slight that an x-ray done immediately shows nothing.  As the
problem progresses, the fracture becomes more noticeable on the x-ray.
Protecting the foot with some sort of brace or cast is usually the best
treatment, and about six weeks of total rest of the foot is required for it to
heal.
     Although heel spurs, which are bony growths that extend out from the
calcaneus or heel bone may be seen frequently, they are not always the cause
of the pain.  When they are, an injection of corticosteroid and lidocaine (a
local anesthetic) can often relieve the problem.
     Heel pain usually responds best to conservative treatment of rest,
support and anti-inflammatory medication.  It can become quite irritating and
sometimes even debilitating, if it interferes with walking.  So don't ignore
your painful heel.  It may start out as just a nag, but it can become
increasingly painful if you don't treat it with some respect and . . . some
rest.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.