Cause heels hurt. Why does the left heel hurt and it hurts to step on? Both diseases manifest themselves in the same way.

Among all the places on the human body, the most vulnerable are not the shoulders, as many assume, but the heels - they are subjected to heavy daily stress while in an upright position. This area contains a large number of nerve endings, therefore sudden pain in the heel is not a reason to self-medicate. The fact is that such sensations occur not only against the background of physical fatigue or mechanical damage, pain in these areas of the feet can also act as a concomitant symptom of serious diseases that require immediate medical intervention.

There are many causative factors that contribute to the appearance of heel pain, the most common of which include:

  • wearing flat shoes, which does not have a shock-absorbing effect;
  • course of pregnancy. During this period, a woman's weight can increase by more than 15 kg, which puts a lot of stress on her feet;
  • mechanical damage to the heels as a result of bruises. As a rule, strong falls lead to damage to the ligaments in the heel area, which can cause pain;

  • intense load on the lower limbs during sports training- one of the most common causes of heel pain;
  • wearing uncomfortable shoes with high heels(they are also popularly called "hairpins"). Such shoes contribute to an uneven distribution of the load on the woman's foot, which provokes the appearance of shooting pains.

Most of the above problems can be avoided by changing your lifestyle or choosing more comfortable shoes. But it is worth noting that pain can also occur against the background of various pathologies. In this case, it is categorically not recommended to ignore the symptom that has appeared.

Diseases that cause heel pain

The list of diseases in which the patient's heels or all feet can hurt is quite large, so we will consider the most common of them:

  • gout- an inflammatory disease of the joints that develops against the background of the deposition of uric acid salts. Pathology is accompanied by redness and swelling of tissues, as well as acute pain;
  • rheumatoid arthritis- a systemic lesion of human joints, in which serious complications often develop. The characteristic symptoms of arthritis include swelling and pain in the joints, due to which their mobility is severely limited. Also, patients experience a decrease in appetite, increased fatigue and general fatigue of the body;

  • ankylosing spondylitis- an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and joints of a person. As a rule, the disease is chronic and develops when the immune system malfunctions. Accompanied by symptoms such as pain in the heels and decreased mobility of the affected spine;

  • bone tuberculosis- a common and at the same time dangerous disease, the development of which begins with damage to the bone fluid. Over time, the patient notices necrosis of the skin in some places;

  • Sever's disease- Another disease in which the patient's heels hurt. This pathological process manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the calcaneus, due to which the patient cannot calmly stand on his toes, since such actions are always accompanied by severe pain;

  • bursitis- an inflammatory disease that affects the articular bag of the patient. It is accompanied by swelling of the tissues on the back of the heel, redness of the skin and painful sensations. As the disease progresses, swelling may increase;
  • heel spur- a pathology accompanied by inflammation of the ligament on the lower limb, or rather, on the sole of the foot. As a rule, plantar fasciitis (as the disease is scientifically called) occurs with excessive stress and, as a result, stretching of the plantar fascia. In this case, the patient experiences severe pain in the heel area.

Note! The development of malignant tumors in the lower extremities can also cause pain in the heels if the tumor develops in this area. This condition is often accompanied by a sharp decrease in the patient's weight, general malaise, reddening of the skin and swelling of the tissues.

Types of pain

Experienced doctors can determine the causative factor that provoked the development of the disease, according to the nature of the pain. This greatly simplifies the diagnostic process.

Pulsating

The sudden appearance of throbbing pain in the lower extremities, which is accompanied by swelling of the tissues, may indicate the development of a bacterial infection. Often, such a pathological process occurs with a fungal infection or fasciitis.

Postpartum

If a woman has discomfort in the heel area after the birth of a baby, then this can only mean one thing - a lesion of the lumbar nerve. In such cases, physiotherapy and drug treatment are prescribed.

During pregnancy

When carrying a child, a woman may also experience pain in her heels, which, as a rule, intensifies in the evening. In such cases, it is enough to walk a little, and under the influence of pressure on the heels pain appears. But as soon as a woman gives birth and lose weight, the pain syndrome disappears on its own.

At rest

Intense physical activity or a long stay in an upright position often leads to the fact that after a hard day's work, the lower limbs are very sore. But if labor activity has no connection with constant walking, then the cause of pain is most often an infectious lesion of the genitourinary system.

morning

If attacks of pain appear immediately after waking up, then the cause of this symptom is a heel spur. As practice shows, after a few minutes of walking, the pain becomes less pronounced or completely disappears. Often, patients suffering from heel spurs experience pain at night, which causes insomnia.

Acute

Sudden sharp pain in the lower extremities and, in particular, in the heels mainly occurs with pathologies such as reactive arthritis or gout. Also, acute pain appears with a fracture of the heel.

Aching

Often, aching pain in the heels appears with a sharp increase in weight, which is typical for pregnant women. Hairdressers, shop assistants or surgeons can also face aching pain, as they are forced to stand on their feet all day without changing their position.

On a note! If pain does not occur at rest, but while walking, the heels hurt very much, then the most likely cause of this condition is the defeat of the Achilles tendon by the inflammatory process. In this case, in addition to pain, the patient notices redness and swelling of the tissues.

Which doctor to contact

When identifying pain in the foot area, you do not need to self-medicate, trying to independently determine the cause of the pain. This requires expert help. In fact, you may need the help of several doctors, namely an orthopedist, oncologist, surgeon, traumatologist and rheumatologist. But first of all, you need to visit the office of a general practitioner, who, after a diagnostic examination, will refer you to other specialists.

During the diagnosis, the doctor must find out the causes of pain in the lower extremities, and this may require different procedures. After a visual examination, the patient may be prescribed an x-ray, MRI, laboratory blood test, etc. Then, based on the results, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and begin to treat the pathology.

Treatment Methods

In medicine, several methods of therapy for heel pain can be used, the essence of which, first of all, is to alleviate or completely eliminate unpleasant symptoms. Then, depending on the causative factor, other means are prescribed to the patient.

Pharmacy preparations

Only a doctor should be involved in the selection of a drug course, so even if one drug helped your friend cope with a similar problem, this does not mean that the same drug will be effective in your particular case. This applies not only to capsules and tablets, but also to products for external use. Below are the most popular drugs used in identifying a painful symptom.

Table. Medical treatment for heel pain.

Name of the drug, photoDescription

An effective remedy that has a warming effect on the body. Often prescribed for swelling and inflammation of the tissues. In addition, Dimexide has analgesic properties.

An anti-inflammatory drug that eliminates not only fever with inflammation, but also pain. Primarily used in diagnosing arthritis or spurs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that effectively copes with heel pain. It is used not for a therapeutic effect in diagnosing a particular pathology, but to alleviate the pain syndrome.

Another pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. Designed to block pain. Available in the form of injections, ointments and tablets. Often prescribed as part of complex treatment.

Ketorolac tromethamine acts as an active component of this anti-inflammatory drug. The tool successfully fights tissue inflammation and pain caused by rupture of muscle fibers or ligaments.

The drug for external use, produced in the form of an ointment. It contains piroxicam, a substance with analgesic properties. As a rule, Ketonal is prescribed when diagnosing a spur or after a heel fracture.

Important! The effectiveness of therapy for pain in the heel depends solely on the timely visit to the doctor and the correct diagnosis. Therefore, the sooner the patient seeks help, the greater the chance of avoiding serious complications of the disease and possible relapses.

Folk remedies

As an addition to traditional medicine for heel pain, you can use folk remedies. As a rule, these are plant-based ointments, baths or compresses. Such funds are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome and removing the inflammatory process.

Table. Traditional medicine for pain in the heel.

Product name, photoApplication

Mash a few boiled potatoes and mix them with 1 tbsp. l. lugol. Apply the resulting mass to the heel, and fix it on top with a bandage. You need to remove the compress after the potatoes have completely cooled.

Mix in one bowl 40 ml of honey with 25 g of salt, then grease the gauze bandage with the resulting mixture and apply it to the sore spot. Wrap polyethylene on top or wrap your leg in a warm blanket. Repeat the procedure daily, preferably at bedtime.

Grind a few peeled onions on a grater, then mix the resulting mass with a small amount of birch tar. Apply a thick layer of the product on the heel and tie it with a bandage or gauze bandage. The compress should be applied for 4 hours.

Pass through a meat grinder 1 pod of red pepper and mix the resulting slurry with 2 tbsp. l. honey. Lubricate a gauze bandage or bandage with the prepared mixture and apply to the heel. After 4 hours, wash off the remnants of the medicine with warm water.

In folk medicine, radish is often used in the treatment of colds, but it also helps with heel spurs. You just need to grate the black radish and make a compress from the resulting slurry. It is advisable to do the application before going to bed, and remove it in the morning.

A unique medicinal plant that is often used in folk medicine. Put fresh mountain grass (as the plant is also popularly called) in your shoes and wear it throughout the day. Replace the herb the next day. As practice shows, painful symptoms disappear after 2-3 days of such treatment.

If you decide to use the above traditional medicine recipes, then you cannot refuse traditional methods of therapy for heel pain. Folk remedies should be a supplement, not a full replacement. Also, before starting therapy, all your actions must be discussed with your doctor.

Physiotherapy

Painful symptoms can be alleviated with the help of special gymnastic exercises, with which it is desirable to supplement drug treatment. Therapeutic gymnastics consists of the following exercises:

  • foot massage for 5 minutes. All actions must be neat and smooth;

  • take a horizontal position and, keeping your legs straight, slowly begin to pull your feet towards you. As soon as you feel pain, stretch the sock, and then return to the starting position;
  • walk around the apartment, first on your heels, and then on your toes, trying to stretch the ligaments and muscle fibers as much as possible;
  • put a towel on the floor and stand on it. Now try to make creases on it with only your toes, and then smooth them out. Repeat the exercise at least 5 times;

  • use a small massage ball, rolling it on the floor with the arches of your feet. Do this exercise for 2-3 minutes.

To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to perform a set of exercises twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. This will greatly speed up the healing process.

Prevention measures

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent pain in the heels, but it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:

  • eat right and healthy food. The diet should be saturated with protein and vitamin food. If possible, exclude from the menu all harmful products that adversely affect health;
  • control your weight. As noted earlier, with excess weight, a large load is placed on the heels, which can cause pain;

  • stop doing any sport if you suddenly feel pain in the lower extremities;
  • wear only comfortable shoes, which does not cause any discomfort when walking;
  • Get a foot massage if possible.. Better to do it daily. This will improve blood circulation.

If you have previously experienced severe heel pain, then you need to regularly wear special orthopedic devices, such as pads or insoles. They will help reduce or completely eliminate the likelihood of recurrence of the symptom.

Video - Why does heel pain appear

Hello dear readers. Pain of various etiologies bothers a person regularly throughout life. Sometimes pain sensations cover the whole body, but more often they are concentrated in a certain, rather limited area. Given the high loads and high risk of injury, it is not surprising that soreness often occurs in the legs, including the heels. It should be understood that pain is not an annoying hindrance to a normal existence, but a signal of the body, its “cry for help”. Various characteristics of pain and associated symptoms help to identify the cause of its occurrence, on which pain relief is based. Why do the heels of the feet hurt? The reasons will be described in this article.

The main reasons why the heels of the legs hurt

Our feet are constantly under incredible stress. They differ in their special size, duration and repeated repetition. The main type of movement in this case is walking and running. Based on statistics, the average number of steps a person takes per day is 3-4 thousand.

At the same time, the load on the feet is 1.2-2.5 times greater than the body weight. And when jumping, this figure increases by another 1.5-2 times. Even modern prostheses in such conditions cannot work properly for more than a few years.

And the unique design mechanics and special “building materials” allow the legs to work normally for decades. But if the strength and duration of the loads exceed their capabilities, then pathological changes occur that cause pain.

The reasons why there is pain in the area of ​​​​one or both heels are quite diverse. At the same time, pain sensations differ in their nature, duration, intensity, location, frequency.

When you visit a doctor, you need to describe in detail the sensations experienced. This will help you make a faster and more accurate diagnosis.

  1. Neuralgia - soreness occurs when walking, spreading from the tendon throughout the foot. External manifestations are not observed.
  1. Fasciitis of the soles of the feet - the pain appears after waking up and increases with stress on the heel. In this case, swelling is observed in the area of ​​​​the arch of the foot.
  1. Erythromelalgia - baking pain, causes a desire to cool the affected area, spreads throughout the foot. At the same time, the skin turns red, there may be a bluish tint.
  1. Arthritis - intense pain, sometimes very sharp, goes from the ankle joint to the heel. The affected area becomes inflamed, reddens, swells.
  1. Bone fracture - very intense pain occurs in the heel area, accompanied by swelling of the entire foot.

The main factors causing pathologies and associated pain in the heels and adjacent areas are congenital or acquired flat feet, physical inactivity, physical overload - household, professional, sports.

The causes of pain in the heel region can be divided into four groups.

1. Not related to pathologies

- overstrain of muscle structures and ligamentous apparatus - during training, at work, with prolonged walking or standing;

- atrophy of adipose tissue in the heel - with a sharp weight loss, due to flat feet or loads;

- high body weight - obesity, rapid weight gain due to the use of sports supplements;

- damage to the skin, calluses;

- regular use of uncomfortable shoes, unstable or high heels, unsuitable for the size of the pair.

2. Diseases of the feet

- heel spurs - pathological growth of the heel bone;

- bursitis - inflammation of the articular bag of the ankle (achillodynia) or other joints of the foot;

- calcaneal tendinitis - inflammation of the tendon of the heel;

- exostosis, including Haglund's deformation change - a bony or cartilaginous-bone growth on the heel;

- calcaneal apophysitis - inflammation of the bone and cartilage tissue in children in the area of ​​​​the back of the heel bone;

- tarsal tunnel syndrome (tunnel neuralgia) - squeezing of the tibial nerve;

- deformity of the foot, causing displacement of the heel;

- Morton's neuroma - thickening of a limited area of ​​the plantar nerve and some others.

3. Systemic lesions of the body

- arthritis - inflammation of the articular joints;

- gout - the deposition of salts in the joints;

- bone tuberculosis - destruction of bone tissue due to pathogenic activity;

- osteomyelitis of the bones of the foot - necrosis of the bone and adjacent tissues, accompanied by the formation of suppuration;

- tumor neoplasms;

- infectious lesions;

- angiopathy - damage to the blood vessels;

- Sever's disease - inflammation of the calcaneus with cartilage damage and rupture of the connective tissue fiber, typical for children;

- foot mycosis;

- diabetes;

- dermatitis, causing cracking of the skin of the heels;

- spondyloarthritis (Bekhterev's disease) - damage to the spine, ligaments and adjacent tissues, can cover articular and some other structures.

4. Traumatic injuries

- overstretching, rupture of the ligamentous apparatus;

- damage to the tendons of the foot;

- puncture of the heel bone, fracture.

Why does the heel hurt, it hurts to step on - how to treat

Everyone knows that the heels are called the back of the feet. These formations are very important both for the support of the body and for the movement of an upright person. They perform a shock-absorbing role and experience huge loads. This is related to the structural features of the heels.

The basis of the heel formation are the tarsal bones of the foot. The largest and most massive among all the foot bones is the calcaneus. Its back part has a large tubercle, inclined downwards.

On it are the lateral and medial processes. Thanks to this structure, the heel has a clearly defined convex shape. The bones are securely fixed by ligaments, tendons, cartilaginous joints with other bone structures of the foot.

There is a thick fatty layer and a connective tissue substrate. Blood vessels, nerve cords, muscle fibers are connected to it.

Disease or physical damage to any of these structures can cause pain in the heel.

As a result of injury, inflammation, anatomical deformity, pain occurs, which can be localized in the heel and heel zones.

Most often, discomfort and soreness occurs when stepping on the foot. It may be a symptom of such diseases.

Gout

The disease is caused by a violation of metabolic processes. Uric acid is retained in the body and its salts crystallize in the articular joints. In this case, the normal mobility of the joints is blocked by these salt conglomerates.

With an exacerbation, the inflammatory process spreads - gouty arthritis rages. The disease can be affected by finger and ankle joints.

In this case, there is swelling, soreness, which increases when relying on the diseased leg. Treatment includes the use of drugs, dietary nutrition, physiotherapy.

Arthritis of the rheumatoid type

This is an autoimmune disease that develops due to the fact that lymphocytes begin to perceive the body's own cells as foreign bodies and attack them, destroying them. The tissues of the joints are subjected to such attacks, the result is the degeneration of the articular structures.

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the patient experiences pain at night, and later the condition becomes chronic. Treatment involves the use of basic and anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, diet, exercise therapy.

ankylosing spondylitis

It has a hereditary predisposition, as a result of which inflammation develops. This chronic pathology affects mainly the vertebral structures, but can also spread to the joints, tendon formations.

Possible damage to the ankle and heel tendons. The inflammatory process causes pain in the heel area. The treatment is quite long, carried out in stationary conditions and sanatorium areas. Various groups of drugs, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises are used.

Calcaneal osteomyelitis

This pathology has an infectious origin and is secondary in nature - it develops against the background of traumatic or diabetic lesions of the heel region. At the same time, ulcers appear on the heel, which do not heal well.

The pain becomes constant and it is now impossible to rely on a sore leg. In the treatment of osteomyelitis, hospitalization is required. An active antibiotic effect, detoxification and surgical removal of the affected bone area are carried out.

Why do heels hurt in the morning after sleep

It happens that pain in the heel does not appear after exertion, but on the contrary - after waking up, when the legs were not subjected to any stress. At the same time, heaviness, stiffness, numbness, dull soreness are felt in the feet.

You have to step on the affected leg carefully, trying to choose the most painless position of the foot. Over time, this uncomfortable feeling passes, it turns out to “disperse”.

But after prolonged sitting or inactivity in a supine position, the pain can return with renewed vigor.

In the case when such sensations appear regularly, it is necessary to go to the hospital. So the emerging fasciitis of the soles of the feet can manifest itself. This is a disease in which there is inflammation of the connective tissue layer - fascia.

There are also degenerative changes in the tissue and the formation of a bone outgrowth on the calcaneus due to the deposition of calcium salts. This disease is better known to the masses as a spur. Without proper treatment, pain will become chronic over time.

Why do my heels hurt after walking?

In some cases, pain appears after, and not during, walking. A very common cause is the wrong pair of shoes. There may be an excessively high block here.

High heels can also cause such pain. In this case, the load is distributed on the foot incorrectly. The systematic use of such shoes can have quite serious negative consequences.

Increased stress on the feet and heels in particular can also be caused by the need to stand or move for a long time. To prevent the development of heel problems, it is recommended to give your feet at least a minute of rest whenever possible.

Regular massage of tired feet can also help. Sports activities, especially those associated with running and jumping, can also cause pain in the heel areas at the end of activities. It should be understood that loads must be normalized and carried out in compliance with certain safety rules.

Another reason for the development of soreness in the feet and heels after walking can be high body weight. Fat deposits have a negative effect not only on the legs, but also on other organs, as well as on the general condition of a complete person.

That is why it is so important to track trends in the appearance of unnecessary kilograms and eliminate them in time. But remember that sudden weight loss can have just as negative consequences for heel health as mass gain.

Why does the left heel hurt when walking, it hurts to step on

Most often, pain is observed only in one of the heels. Pain can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from uncomfortable shoes to serious systemic lesions.

Pain in the back - occurs when a spur is formed. This is a non-tumor growth on the tubercle of the calcaneal bone of a spike-like shape. Pains are strong, burning-stabbing character. At the same time, the spur does not show much externally.

The inside hurts - the cause is often flat feet. This anomaly causes curvature of the spinal column and joint pain. Another possible reason is trauma.

Pain inside - are caused, as a rule, by the presence of infectious lesions and the developing inflammatory process.

Wherever pain is localized, it never hurts to visit the local hospital to reliably identify all possible factors. You should go to the orthopedist. You may also need the help of a surgeon, neurologist or rheumatologist, and maybe even an oncologist.

Treatment

It is important to know why the heels of the feet hurt - treatment and causes are closely interrelated. As a result of the examination and additional studies, the doctor makes a diagnosis and outlines a set of therapeutic measures.

  1. Drug exposure - the use of tablets and ointments, injections.
  1. Physiotherapy - electrophoresis, the use of laser, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, etc.
  1. Operative treatment.
  1. Massage.
  1. Diet food.
  1. Folk remedies.

Prevention of heel pain

Any pathology is much easier to prevent than to cure. To prevent the development of pain in the heel zones, it is recommended:

- rationally approach the choice of shoes for daily wear;

- monitor your own weight;

- include in the daily diet products containing all the nutrients the body needs;

- it is reasonable to load the feet, to avoid traumatic situations;

- carry out self-massage of the feet and resort to foot baths to relieve fatigue and overexertion;

- take care of the skin of the soles of the feet, apply creams to prevent drying and cracking of the skin;

- timely treat developing diseases, get rid of infections and fungi.

Unpleasant sensations in the heel indicate the consequences of an injury or the presence of a disease. The massive part of the foot is designed to carry heavy loads and perform a shock-absorbing function for the spine. This is facilitated by its anatomy and dense fat deposits. In the structure of the ankle, a lot of nerve endings, blood vessels, tendons are concentrated. The spongy structure of the bone increases the risk of various types of damage. Their result - the heel hurts and it hurts to step on every step.

The intensity and localization of pain directly depends on the cause of its occurrence. There are natural sources of the problem and those caused by inflammatory processes in the heel zone. The first group of factors is associated with the activation of the static load on the sole. Then pain rarely manifests itself at rest. The second group of causes is due to a disorder of the endocrine system or immunity. This creates a favorable condition for infection of the soft tissues of the foot with various microorganisms.

uncomfortable shoes

When everyday shoes do not correspond to the actual size of the foot - tight, narrow, crushing - pain occurs when walking. An unpleasant symptom is more often observed in women due to the need to use heels.

In order not to overload the lower part of the ankle and prevent its subsequent inflammation, it is recommended to follow simple rules:

  • Do not wear shoes with flat soles or excessively high heels (maximum height 7 cm) for a long time.
  • Avoid low-quality materials that can excessively squeeze the leg, rub the skin.
  • Avoid excessive abrasion of the sole, especially with flat feet.
  • Choose shoes with an arch support, preferably on an orthopedic basis.

In some cases, it is possible to achieve comfortable wearing of shoes with the help of special insoles that fix the foot in the optimal position.

Excess weight greatly increases the pressure on the legs. The ankle joint is especially affected. It is necessary to alleviate the situation with proper nutrition, physical activity and systematic foot massage. The diet should include foods containing proteins, vitamins, trace elements. Every day you should burn more calories than you consume. Contribute to improving metabolism and burning excess fat morning jogging, swimming, cycling, fitness, athletics.

The need for long-term walking or staying in a standing position increases the total load on the heel region. A person with a sedentary lifestyle who decides to dramatically increase physical activity will face an error in physiology. Its manifestations are pain in the longitudinal arch of the foot, corns, calluses. It is necessary to increase the pressure on the legs gradually, especially for people with a thin layer of subcutaneous fat on the plantar surface.

Bursitis of the calcaneus

It is an inflammation of the part of the joint - the synovial bag. Distinguish between posterior calcaneal bursitis and Albert's disease - Achilles bursitis. Potential reasons:

  • The use of tight shoes that rub the heel, increasing the load on it.
  • Various injuries affecting the posterior talofibular ligament.
  • The development of bone growths on the lower leg (Haglund's deformity). One of the symptoms of the disease is a visual increase in the size of the heel.
  • Flat feet, clubfoot.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases.

Pain in both types of disorders is localized behind the heel, where its protruding part connects to the Achilles tendon.

It is the result of damage or inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is responsible for connecting the calcaneus to the foot. An additional function of the anatomical structure is to provide the ability to fully move around.

Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include:

  1. Overweight, metabolic disorders, hormonal levels.
  2. Pregnancy, in which a woman is actively gaining kilograms, changes the habitual nature of her gait.
  1. Long stay on the feet, characteristic of workers in the relevant professions and athletes - athletes, skateboarders.

Most often, the disease manifests itself after 40 years, when the muscular corset is weakened, an age-related decrease in activity occurs.

Arthritis, arthrosis

At the initial stage, degenerative-inflammatory processes develop without signs of pain. A change in the state of the bone tissue is detected during an X-ray examination. Arthritis 2 and 3 degrees are manifested by severe pain, especially when walking. Additional symptoms - swelling of the leg, redness, a significant increase in the size of the ankle.

Foot deformity is inevitable. Therefore, the reduction in the intensity of signs is carried out immediately - with drug treatment, a course of physiotherapy. It is important to prevent the loss of the ability to move independently.

It is a wart on the skin surface of the heel region. Gives an unpleasant sensation and difficulty walking. Plantar spitz - a source of pain, burning, itching. Treatment options include surgery and drug therapy.

It is characterized by fragility of bones due to a decrease in their density. At stage 2 or more of the disease, the area to the right or left of the calcaneal-fibular ligament is disturbing. Pathology affects adults from 37 years. The main factor of pathogenesis is the leaching of micronutrients from bone tissue. The development of the phenomenon is facilitated by:

  1. Poor nutrition.
  2. Bad habits.
  3. Early menopause, late menstruation.
  4. Long term breastfeeding.

Simultaneously with the pain syndrome, the phenomena of osteoporosis are found in scoliosis, a decrease in body growth. Also, a violation can be detected with an unnaturally long union of fractures. Therapy is based on following a proper diet, taking medications that stimulate bone regeneration.

Classification of diseases according to the nature of pain

The main reason for the long-term pathogenesis of diseases is a slight fusion of bone and tendon tissue during the night period, when the body is recovering. In the morning, the fused ligaments of the foot are destroyed due to spontaneously increased static pressure, causing pain of different localization.

Microtrauma of the heel bone provokes soreness of the muscles of the ankle joint, entails plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of the disease - a sharp pain in the morning, when getting out of bed. If during the daytime the condition returns to normal, and in the evening the acute pain returns again, a diagnosis of a heel spur is assumed. It is a calcium growth on the bottom of the foot. Timely treatment will prevent subsequent systematic discomfort.

It hurts to step on the heel

Pinching of the sciatic nerve is manifested by pain from the bottom of the ankle in the morning. This is understandable, since the length of the fiber is from the hip joint to the toes.

Pain in the back of the heel

Caused by achillodynia, calcaneal exostosis. Each of the diseases does not appear immediately. In the first case, the heel bag is affected. After that, the ankle joint hurts when touched. 9 out of 10 patients note an increase in discomfort even at rest.

The second pathology according to the clinical picture is an analogue of the heel spur. Exostosis is characterized by the formation of growths. Neoplasms mature behind the calcaneus with a parallel pathogenesis of bursitis.

The pain of the considered localization in adolescents is characterized by calcaneal apophysitis. Predominant in boys in parallel on both legs. It manifests itself after a long run or exercise.

Pain in the middle of the heel (simultaneously with pain in the back)

Evidence of Achilles bursitis. Drawing pain near the cuboid bone is transmitted throughout the plane of the foot when the load is applied. Symptoms include painful swelling at the back of the foot. It is advisable to carry out treatment with an experienced specialist, especially with a protracted form of pathology.

Pain, as well as numbness or tingling, in various parts of the foot

It is a manifestation of varicose veins on the foot, various forms of damage or infringement of nerve fibers:

  • Phalen's syndrome is caused by compression of the nerves behind the ankle with characteristic 30-second pain sensations;
  • infringement of the tibial nerve pathways;
  • Tinel's syndrome is accompanied by throbbing pains from the foot to the knee.

Such sensations may indicate the presence of Achilles tendonitis, calcaneal apophysitis, hereditary sensory neuropathy.

At the first stage of the examination, a visual examination is carried out, and the palpation of the affected part of the foot, the patient is interviewed. Then, to determine the changes in the heel, the use of special medical equipment is required. The third stage is a laboratory blood test (may precede hardware diagnostics).

Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis

It involves X-ray examination, computed tomography. A preliminary examination by a doctor is aimed at checking the sensitivity and tone of the ankle muscles, reflexes, and coordination of movements. MRI provides the most information.

Diagnosis of a heel spur

All calcium growths and painful places are easily detected by compacted tissues at the initial appointment with a specialist. It is almost impossible to feel them, therefore, together with the inflamed tendons, they are visible only on an x-ray. The diagnosis is confirmed by household observations. There is unbearable pain after a change in body position, morning stiffness in the joint, an increase in discomfort when walking.

Of the diagnostic methods, X-ray and laboratory examinations have the proper level of information content. It is important for the doctor to exclude other diseases of the heel (Reiter's syndrome, Bechterew's disease).

Diagnosis of calcaneal apophysitis in adolescents

The medical examination is of paramount importance. All assumptions are supported by the results of complex methods of radiation imaging - MRI, ultrasound. Then the patient undergoes laboratory diagnostics. X-ray examination in this case is useless.

Soft tissues, muscles around the heel bone at the junction of the Achilles tendon are examined using ultrasound, MRI. X-ray measures are characterized by less diagnostic value. At the discretion of the doctor, an additional puncture of the synovial cavity may be required, followed by analysis of a sample of the material.

Diagnosis of Achilles Bursitis

First of all, the patient undergoes an X-ray examination, which reveals the consequences of trauma and destruction of the bone by rheumatoid arthritis. Then the attending physician will prescribe laboratory diagnostics. A blood test can detect gout. Puncture and taking the contents of the tendon bag confirms or refutes the presence of viral bursitis.

Diagnosis of nerve compression

Nerve compression can be complicated by diabetes mellitus and CNS damage. To identify the diagnosis, a blood test for glucose is performed. Additionally, instrumental techniques are used:

  • MRI, ultrasound reveal inflammation, tumors that affect the nerves.
  • Electroneuromyography (ENMG) determines the quality of the patency of signals from muscle fibers to nerve endings.
  • X-ray detects calcium growths, bone deformation.

Nerve compression is also determined independently. Sitting on the edge of a chair, and putting a load of moderate weight on your knee, you can feel pain at the bottom of the ankle. This confirms the presence of neurological disorders.

Which doctor to contact

A neurologist, a traumatologist, an orthopedist will prescribe a complex treatment using joint therapeutic methods. When visiting a medical institution, it is better to have an initial consultation with a therapist. He writes out a referral to the specialists of the listed profiles.

Treatment

At the first manifestations of pain symptoms in the heel region, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor. If you wait for the transition of the disorder to a chronic form, it will not be possible to completely regenerate bone tissue (for example, with arthritis, arthrosis). But restoring natural movement is quite possible. Doctors of different profiles can diagnose, identify the true causes and prescribe competent treatment and only by joint efforts. Therapy is carried out in several directions, appoint:

  1. A diet that involves the intake of vitamins (especially group C), trace elements, minerals. It is recommended to use natural juices, decoctions of herbs, protein foods, including those containing Omega-3 PUFAs, calcium.
  2. Gels, ointments with analgesic effect, activating the restoration of bone tissue, the integrity of the tendons.
  3. Medications for oral and injection use (at advanced stages of the disorder, antibiotics are prescribed). The goal is to anesthetize the patient and stop the inflammatory processes.
  4. Physiological recovery courses through specialized massage treatments and gymnastic exercises. This approach can improve blood circulation and absorption of nutrients in the affected areas.

A separate item worth noting is shock wave, laser procedures, electrophoresis. These manipulations are prescribed individually, taking into account the diagnosis and characteristics of the patient's body.

Prevention

The prevention of pain inside the heel is based on protection from damage, the rejection of physical inactivity, and daily care for the skin of the feet. Equally important is the observance of proper nutrition - the exclusion of alcoholic and carbonated drinks, food with low nutritional value. It is recommended to avoid damage to the feet, strong impacts, overloads, and prolonged stay on your feet as much as possible. Early elimination of the first signals of violations will help to avoid unpleasant sensations inside the heel region and prevent their recurrence.

Video: Why does heel pain appear and is it always a heel spur?

If you constantly feel discomfort in the heel area, this is a serious reason to think about your health, because such a symptom often signals the presence of any diseases. In order to restore good health, it is important not only to eliminate painful sensations, but also to find out the cause of their occurrence.

Causes of heel pain

The feeling of discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors:

  1. Sports. Heel pain sometimes occurs after jogging or other strenuous exercise.
  2. Injuries. Bruises, sprains, fractures, or any other type of injury can lead to severe pain. In this case, you should immediately contact a traumatologist. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better not to step on a sore leg.
  3. Inappropriate shoes. If you used to walk only in heels, and then began to wear flat shoes, this can adversely affect the health of your feet.
  4. Excess weight. Due to excess body weight, the load on the feet increases, as a result of which a person experiences severe pain in the process of walking.
  5. Arthritis. Inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone and fingers can lead to discomfort that will gradually increase. Especially intense in this disease, the pain manifests itself in the morning.
  6. Fasciitis of the sole. Tight uncomfortable shoes or daily long standing on your feet can provoke pathology. As a result, a build-up forms on them, putting pressure on the tissues and causing a feeling of discomfort, which is most strongly felt after sleep.
  7. Heel spur. If fasciitis is not cured in time, a bone formation may appear on the surface of the heel, which will lead to severe pain, which will especially often occur in the morning.
  8. Inflammation or rupture of the Achilles tendon. Injury can occur as a result of intense physical exertion, or, for example, during an unsuccessful jump.
  9. Infections. Inflammation of the tendon can be caused by infectious diseases such as chlamydia. The disease is accompanied by constant pain, which becomes even stronger in the evening.
  10. Malignant tumors. If there are neoplasms on the feet, compression of blood vessels and nerve endings occurs, which in turn causes chronic pain.
  11. Cracks on the heels resulting from dermatitis, mycosis or some other disease.

How to get rid of heel pain

In order to eliminate discomfort, you first need to determine the cause of their occurrence by contacting a rheumatologist, traumatologist or dermatologist. Treatment can be carried out in various ways, it is prescribed only after a complete diagnostic examination, including a blood test, radiography and ultrasound.

If there are cracks on the heels, it is necessary to make an appointment with a dermatologist, if it turns out that they are affected by a fungus, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment. This problem can also be caused by increased dryness of the skin. To get rid of cracks, it is recommended to lubricate the legs with cream daily and remove keratinized areas with pedicure tools.

If uncomfortable shoes have become the cause of discomfort, it is recommended to purchase products with a comfortable shoe that does not give a large load on the heel. Take your shoes off from time to time to let your feet rest.

For the treatment of heel spurs, complex measures must be taken:

  • getting rid of excess body weight;
  • physiotherapy (mineral baths, ultrasound treatment, mud applications);
  • use of orthopedic insoles;
  • reducing the load on the foot;
  • drug treatment;
  • surgical removal of the bone growth (in especially serious cases).

In the presence of inflammatory processes caused by infectious diseases or diseases of the joints, drugs are used that are prescribed to the patient by a doctor.

Plantar fasciitis can be relieved by reducing physical activity, such as avoiding sports such as walking or running. In addition, every morning it is recommended to do special exercises:

  • Place a rolling pin under your feet, take a sitting position and roll it with a step for several minutes. In order to achieve the desired effect, repeat the procedure several times daily.

The cause of discomfort is often associated with low mobility of the calf muscles. You can get rid of an unpleasant symptom with the help of the following exercise:

  • Stand near the wall, put your palms on it, straighten your right leg, and step forward with your left. Then lean against the wall, remaining in this position for half a minute. After that, repeat all the steps, changing legs.

How to get rid of heel pain fast

The following methods will help alleviate the condition:

  1. If there are no medical contraindications, take ice, apply it to your feet, and then rub them. This procedure is recommended to be performed once a day, for twenty minutes.
  2. You can get rid of pain by steaming your legs in a basin of warm water.
  3. Painkillers containing ibuprofen have a quick effect. However, before you start taking them, you should consult with your doctor.
  4. Pain in the heel area is well relieved by anti-inflammatory ointments (butadiene, indomethacin).

You can get rid of the problem using proven folk remedies:

  1. Grate raw potatoes, attach it to the leg and wrap it on top with polyethylene. This recipe allows you to quickly relieve pain.
  2. Plantain helps to get rid of heel spurs. Apply the sheet to the sore spot, and as soon as it dries, replace it with a new one. After this procedure, severe pain may appear, but in the future, you can forget about the existence of bone growths.
  3. A black radish is well suited for treatment, you need to rub it finely, attach it to the heel and wrap the leg with polyethylene. In the morning, the puree should be washed off with warm water.
  4. If there is a “Triple Cologne” at home, you can heat it in some kind of enameled container, and then steam your legs in it.
  5. Garlic has an excellent healing effect, mash it and apply it to the heel for four hours. By doing such compresses daily, you will soon be able to get rid of the feeling of discomfort.
  6. Crush two aspirin tablets, mix them with a spoonful of 3% iodine, apply the composition to cotton wool, and then attach it to the sore spot, wrap it with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Repeat this procedure at least three times a day.

Using folk recipes, you can independently get rid of pain at home, however, before proceeding with treatment, you must first consult with a specialist.

How to avoid heel pain

  1. Excess weight often causes increased stress on the feet, so you need to maintain it in the normal range by monitoring your diet. Particular preference is recommended to give protein and plant foods, as pain in the heel area is often provoked by inflammatory processes resulting from metabolic disorders.
  2. You can avoid overstressing your feet by buying comfortable shoes with low heels, which will evenly distribute the load.
  3. Orthopedic insoles help to protect the heel, thanks to which the foot ligaments and muscles are supported.
  4. For preventive purposes, you can perform daily special exercises that prevent leg diseases.

In order to solve the problem, it is necessary to apply comprehensive measures. Treatment may take several months, however, taking care of your health and following all the recommendations of doctors, you will eventually be able to completely get rid of the sensations that bother you.

Video: why does heel pain appear, and is it always a heel spur

Heel pain can occur with the following diseases:

  • Haglund's deformity;
  • tarsal tunnel syndrome;
  • fissure of the calcaneus;
  • heel spur;
  • stretching of the Achilles tendon;
  • heel injury;
  • gout;
  • diabetic angiopathy;
  • epiphysitis of the calcaneus;
  • bursitis;
  • reactive arthritis;
  • tuberculosis of the calcaneus;
  • osteomyelitis of the calcaneus.

Haglund deformity

Haglund's deformity is a disease in which a bone growth occurs in the region of the posterior surface of the calcaneus ( ledge), which can be detected by feeling the heel ( behind and above). This growth is usually located slightly above where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneal tuberosity. Therefore, during movements in the ankle joint ( e.g. walking, running) the Achilles tendon constantly rubs against it. Due to this constant friction, mechanical damage to the fibers of the Achilles tendon and retrocalcaneal bag occurs ( ), which is then accompanied by their inflammation. The reason for the appearance of Haglund's deformity is still not exactly established. However, it is known that it is most often observed in females aged 20 to 30 years, who spend a large amount of time in high-heeled shoes. Pain in the heel in this pathology is caused by Achilles bursitis ( inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa) and tendinitis ( inflammation) Achilles tendon.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a pathology that occurs as a result of mechanical compression of the branches of the tibial nerve in the tarsal canal ( medial ankle canal), which is localized behind the medial ( inner side) ankles. This canal is formed by closely spaced bones in relation to each other ( calcaneus and talus) and flexor retinaculum ( retinaculum mm. flexorum inferius). In addition to the tibial nerve, the tendons of the posterior tibial muscle, the long and common flexor fingers, and the tibial artery also pass through this canal. The main causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome are mechanical injuries of the posteromedial ( rear inner) of the foot, the presence of volumetric formations inside the tarsal canal ( bone exostoses, lipomas, tendon ganglia) or congenital or acquired deformities of the foot. Heel pain in this syndrome is caused precisely by mechanical damage to the tibial nerve.

Heel fracture

A fissure is an incomplete, closed fracture of a bone, in which there is no displacement of its processes at the site of injury. A calcaneus fracture usually occurs as a result of a person falling on their heels from a certain height. A little less often, such a pathology can be found with direct and strong blows ( for example, as a result of an explosion) in the heel area. There are many types of heel fractures. These types are mainly classified depending on the location of the cracks ( extra-articular or intra-articular fissures of the calcaneus) and their number ( single or multiple). Calcaneus fractures can often coexist with other types of calcaneus fractures and ankle injuries ( dislocation, bruise, sprain, etc.). If the patient has an extra-articular fracture, then this type of fracture is classified as a mild injury. An intraarticular fissure is a fracture of moderate severity. Pain in the heel with a fissure of the calcaneus is most often caused by crushing of the subcutaneous fat located in the heel region, as well as damage to the periosteum of the calcaneus.

Heel spur

Heel spur ( plantar fasciitis) is a disease in which aseptic ( non-infectious) inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis ( plantar fascia) together with its attachment to the calcaneal tuberosity of the calcaneus. The cause of this inflammation is the constant traumatization of the plantar part of the foot ( Where is the plantar fascia located?), resulting from excessive physical exertion, obesity, and various structural and deformation pathologies of the foot ( flat feet, hyperpronation syndrome, hollow foot, etc.). Inflammatory processes in the area of ​​​​attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel tuber often lead to the appearance of bone outgrowths - osteophytes, which are heel spurs. These spurs can be seen on x-ray and cannot be felt. These formations are not the cause of heel pain. Pain in plantar fasciitis, as a rule, appears as a result of the presence of inflammatory processes in the plantar fascia.

Achilles tendon strain

Achilles tendon strain is one of the most common types of injury. It can occur as a result of significant and / or sudden physical exertion, poor warm-up before training, the use of low-quality shoes, when running on hard surfaces, deformities, mechanical injuries of the foot, falls on the foot from a great height, etc. When stretched, microtraumatization and partial rupture occur. fibers of the Achilles tendon, as a result of which inflammatory processes occur in it, which serve as the main cause of pain. The most common injury to the Achilles tendon is where it attaches to the posterior surface of the calcaneus ( calcaneal tuberosity). Therefore, pain in such an injury is usually localized in the back of the heel. Pain may also be felt along most of the Achilles tendon. Pain in this injury, as a rule, increases when moving the foot on the toe, running, jumping, walking.

Achilles tendon strain is the mildest type of injury. A more serious injury to the Achilles tendon is its partial or complete rupture, in which a person cannot move ( e.g. walking, running) with the help of an injured leg and feels severe pain in the heel and in the area where the Achilles tendon is located. In such cases, the supporting function of the lower limb is completely preserved, since this tendon is not involved in maintaining the static position of the leg.

Ankle sprain

The ankle joint is strengthened by a large number of ligaments ( medial ligament, anterior talofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, etc.). Most of these ligaments insert near the calcaneus ( to the talus or to the scaphoid) or directly to it ( calcaneofibular ligament), therefore, if they are damaged ( e.g. stretching or tearing) the patient often feels pain in the heel region. One of the most common injuries of the ankle joint is sprain of its lateral ligaments ( ligaments that connect the fibula to the bones of the foot), which is observed with a sharp tucking of the foot inward, which is often found when walking, running, jumping. These injuries usually damage the calcaneofibular ( ligamentum calcaneofibulare) and anterior talofibular ( ligamentum talofibulare anterius) links. Due to the partial destruction of the fibers of these ligaments, inflammation occurs in the places of their rupture, due to which pain, swelling and redness appear. All three of these symptoms are localized on the outer lateral surface of the foot, just below the outer ankle and closer to the heel ( its outer side surface).

Heel bruise

A heel bruise can occur when it hits any hard surface. This can often be observed when falling on the heel area, when running, jumping, walking barefoot ( on an uneven surface). Also, such a bruise can occur if any heavy object has fallen on the heel area. Less commonly, a heel bruise can be caused by one or more direct, directed blows to the heel region with a blunt object. With this type of injury, the soft tissues of the heel are most severely affected - skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, ligaments of the arch of the foot, blood vessels and nerves. Damage to these anatomical structures and tissues leads to the development of inflammation in the heel, the appearance of swelling, bruising ( due to rupture of small blood vessels), redness and pain ( due to mechanical damage to the nerves). A heel bruise is a type of closed tissue injury. It can often be associated with other types of open ( wounds, open fractures) or closed ( dislocation, closed fracture, sprain, inflammation of synovial bags, etc.) traumatic injuries. Therefore, the pain that occurs when a heel bruise may also indicate that the patient has any additional injuries in the foot.

Gout

Gout is a disease associated with metabolic disorders. With this pathology in the blood of patients, an increase in the concentration of uric acid is observed ( formed as a result of the breakdown of purine bases - adenine and guanine). An increased amount of this metabolite ( product of exchange) in the body leads to the deposition of uric acid salts in various tissues ( articular, periarticular, renal, etc.), resulting in gout-specific symptoms.

One of the main symptoms is monoarthritis ( inflammation of one joint) or polyarthritis ( inflammation of multiple joints). Gout can affect various joints ( ankle, elbow, hip, knee, etc.), however, most often the joints of the foot are involved in the pathological process with it ( intertarsal, metatarsophalangeal, tarsal-metatarsal joints). Inflammation of the intertarsal joints ( calcaneocuboid, subtalar, talocalcaneal-navicular etc.) with gout leads to pain in the heel.

The causes of this disease may be congenital defects in the enzymes responsible for the utilization of uric acid in the body ( for example, a defect in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase or adenine phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase), kidney pathology ( chronic renal failure, kidney cancer, polycystic disease, etc.), blood ( paraproteinemia, leukemia, polycythemia, etc.), consumption of large amounts of meat, alcohol, physical inactivity ( sedentary lifestyle) and etc.

Diabetic angiopathy

With diabetes ( endocrine disease associated with absolute or relative insufficiency of the hormone insulin) due to the constant presence of a high level of glucose in the blood, systemic diabetic angiopathy develops ( vascular damage). The blood vessels of the kidneys are especially seriously affected in diabetes ( diabetic nephropathy), retina ( diabetic retinopathy), heart and lower extremities. Damaged blood vessels in diabetes mellitus narrow and sclerosis ( replaced by connective tissue), due to which the blood supply to the tissues that they nourish is disrupted. Therefore, with the development of diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, trophic ulcers gradually appear on the patient's legs ( due to tissue death).

Such ulcers are localized more often on the foot, toes, heel, ankle zones. With this pathology, there is also a decrease in local immunity, which is why leg ulcers are constantly infected and heal for a very long time, so diabetic angiopathy is often complicated by osteomyelitis ( purulent inflammation of the bones) and gangrene ( tissue necrosis) feet. Such complications are observed in patients constantly, since damage to nerve endings occurs in diabetic angiopathy ( diabetic polyneuropathy), which is accompanied by a violation of the sensitivity of the tissues of the leg.

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus

The calcaneus consists of the body of the calcaneus and the tubercle of the calcaneus. The tubercle of the calcaneus is located behind and slightly below the body of the calcaneus. It is due to this bone process that the bone support for the heel region is formed. Most human bones are formed due to endochondral ossification, that is, due to the ossification of cartilage tissue, which serves as their primary rudiment during prenatal development. After birth in children, the heel bone contains predominantly cartilaginous tissue, which will have to ossify during its growth period. Such ossification begins from foci of ossification, which are called ossification points. Such points provide not only ossification of bones, but also their growth and development.

The first ossification point appears in the body of the calcaneus at 5-6 months. Ossification ( ossification) bones in the region of this point begins at the moment when the child is born into the world. Approximately at 8-9 years old, the child has a second ossification point in the apophysis ( process of a bone, near its end) of the calcaneus, from which the tubercle of the calcaneus is formed. After its appearance, both points gradually begin to coalesce with each other. Their complete fusion ends when the child turns 16-18 years old.

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus ( Sever's disease) is a pathology in which inflammation of the calcaneus occurs as a result of partial separation of the apophysis ( bone process, from which the calcaneal tubercle will subsequently arise) from her body, due to the incomplete process of fusion and ossification. This pathology is observed mainly in children 9-14 years old ( since the first and second ossification points are completely fused by the age of 16-18).

Various factors contribute to the development of this disease ( excessive physical activity, permanent injuries, anomalies in the development of the foot, deficiency of calcium, vitamin D), which cause damage to the cartilaginous tissue in the calcaneus and a partial rupture of its connective tissue fibers, which disrupts the normal fusion of both ossification points and ossification ( ossification) of the entire bone as a whole. Pain in the heel with epiphysitis of the calcaneus is projected onto its lateral sides and occurs due to inflammatory processes inside the calcaneus.

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuberosity ( Haglund-Schinz disease) is a pathology in which aseptic ( non-infectious) inflammation. This disease is most often observed in girls aged 10-16 who are actively involved in sports. However, sometimes it can also appear in boys. The probable cause of the development of this pathology is a disorder of the heel bone blood supply, which is facilitated by hormonal changes in the body at this age and constant pressure loads on the not yet fully formed heel bone.

Such loads cause mechanical damage to the vessels of the heel region, as a result of which they narrow, and microcirculation is disturbed in them. The lack of blood flow to the tissues of the calcaneus provokes the development of dystrophic and necrotic changes in it, due to which it becomes inflamed. Haglund-Shinz disease is characterized by the appearance of diffuse pain in the heel zone ( in the area of ​​the calcaneal tubercle), which increase with physical activity and extension of the foot. Particularly severe pain is usually projected at the junction of the Achilles tendon with the calcaneal tubercle. They can be easily identified by palpation palpation with fingers).

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of the synovial sac cavity anatomical formation, consisting of connective tissue and preventing friction between various tissues near the joints). There are two types of bursitis in the heel area - Achilles bursitis and posterior calcaneal bursitis. Achilles bursitis ( Albert's disease) inflammation of the retrocalcaneal synovial bursa occurs, located between the Achilles tendon and the posterior surface of the calcaneus. With posterior calcaneal bursitis, inflammation of the superficial bag of the Achilles tendon, delimiting it from the skin, is observed. Pain in the heel with both types of bursitis is localized in the area of ​​​​the back surface of the heel, in the place where the Achilles tendon is woven into the calcaneal tubercle with its lower end. The causes of Achilles bursitis and posterior calcaneal bursitis can be mechanical injuries of the back surface of the heel, the patient wearing tight shoes with a hard back ( trailing edge), excessive physical exertion on the ankle joint, the presence of Haglund's deformity ( ) or systemic autoimmune diseases ( systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is a pathology in which inflammation of one or more joints develops during or some time after an infectious disease ( intestinal or urogenital infection). This pathology has an autoimmune origin and occurs as a result of a malfunction of the immune system. There are two main forms of reactive arthritis ( postenterocolitic and urogenital). Heel pain is most commonly seen in urogenital reactive arthritis. This type of arthritis usually appears 1 to 6 weeks after a urogenital infection and is characterized by the development of inflammatory processes in various joints of the lower extremities ( knee, ankle). The joints of the foot in the region of the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges of the fingers may also be affected.

One of the main features of urogenital reactive arthritis is the occurrence of pain in the heel region. Their appearance is associated with the defeat of various types of connective tissue structures located in the heel zone. Achilles tendon enthesitis is the most common with this type of arthritis ( inflammation of the tendon attachment to the calcaneus), tendinitis ( inflammation) Achilles tendon, plantar aponeurosis enthesitis ( inflammation of the site of attachment of the plantar aponeurosis to the calcaneus). Localization of pain always depends on which structure is affected and inflamed. So, for example, with enthesitis or tendonitis of the Achilles tendon, pain is felt on the back of the heel, with enthesitis of the plantar aponeurosis, the patient experiences pain in the region of the underside of the heel.

Tuberculosis of the calcaneus

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that occurs as a result of human infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most often, this pathology affects the lungs ( pulmonary tuberculosis). However, there are times when these mycobacteria can invade the bones of the foot ( with blood flow). It was then that calcaneal tuberculosis occurs. This form of tuberculosis is extremely rare and occurs predominantly in children ( 9 – 15 years old) with weakened immune systems. Quite often, with it, along with the calcaneus, the talocalcaneal joint is damaged. With tuberculosis of the calcaneus, various tissues that belong both to itself become inflamed ( bone tissue, periosteum, bone marrow, etc.), and those that surround the calcaneus ( ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, skin, subcutaneous tissue, etc.), as a result of which the heel swells significantly, increases in size and turns red. The patient with this pathology cannot step on the heel due to the presence of significant pain in it. Pain in the heel is usually diffuse. Pain in the heel increases sharply with pressure from any side of it.

Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus

Osteomyelitis is a pathology in which purulent inflammation occurs in the bone. Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is quite common in diabetic foot ( one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, in which trophic ulcers appear on the skin on the foot, often in the heel area) and fractures of the calcaneus, accompanied by infection of the soft tissues of the calcaneus. In some cases, this pathology occurs when a harmful infection is introduced by the hematogenous route ( by blood) from infectious purulent foci that appear in the body with bacterial endocarditis ( inflammation of the inner lining of the heart), pneumonia ( pneumonia), pyelonephritis ( kidney inflammation), liver abscess, caries, after joint prosthetics, etc. In all these cases, pyogenic microbes penetrate the heel bone and begin to multiply there, as a result of which purulent inflammation occurs in it. This is what causes heel pain. The most common osteomyelitis of the calcaneal tuber, much less often - osteomyelitis of the body of the calcaneus. Pain in the heel with this pathology is diffuse, they do not have an exact localization.

Diagnosing the causes of heel pain

Diagnosis of most pathologies that cause heel pain is based on taking into account the results of a clinical examination of the patient ( history taking, calcaneal palpation) and information obtained in the course of radiological studies ( ultrasound, X-ray examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging). Also, such patients are often prescribed the passage of some laboratory tests ( complete blood count, biochemical blood test, immunological blood test, etc.).

Haglund deformity

With Haglund's deformity, a dense bump-like protrusion appears on the posterior-upper surface of the heel. The skin over this formation is always edematous and hyperemic ( Red), sometimes there is hyperkeratosis ( increased peeling). Pain in the heel is mainly aching in nature and is projected around the bone growth and the place of attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneal tuber of the calcaneus. It should be noted that the appearance of swelling behind the heel is not always a symptom of Haglund's deformity. This symptom may also occur with isolated superficial bursitis ( inflammation of the synovium) Achilles tendon, calcaneal exostosis, etc.

Palpation of the posterior surface of the heel in this disease can reveal an abnormal bone growth, swelling of the tissues adjacent to it, and severe local pain. To confirm the presence of the Haglund's deformity in the patient, he needs to do an X-ray examination of the heel region. Sometimes such a patient may also be ordered to undergo an ultrasound examination ( ultrasound), which is necessary for visualization and assessment of the condition of the Achilles tendon and retrocalcaneal bag ( synovial bursa located between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus).

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is characterized by burning pain and tingling in the heel. Pain may radiate spread) along the entire sole to the toes, as well as in the opposite direction - from the heel to the gluteal region. Pain in the heel and in the sole, as a rule, increases with the extension of the foot. In addition, with this syndrome, there may be a partial or complete violation of the sensitivity of the skin of the sole and difficulty in the mobility of the muscles of the foot ( for example, the muscles of the abductor hallux, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, etc.), which is explained by damage to the sensory ( sensitive) and muscle fibers of the tibial nerve. Such patients quite often find it difficult to walk "on tiptoe" ( on socks).

An important diagnostic sign of tarsal tunnel syndrome is Tinel's symptom ( the appearance of pain and numbness in the areas of innervation of the tibial nerve when tapping with fingers in the region of the tarsal canal). Palpation of the posterior surface of the entire leg can often reveal local pain. An electroneuromyogram is used to confirm whether a patient has a tibial nerve injury. In order to identify the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome, patients are prescribed radiation research methods ( radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging).

Heel fracture

With a crack in the calcaneus, pain in the heel appears, the damaged area of ​​​​the foot swells and turns red. There may be bruising at the site of the fracture. Such patients usually do not lose the ability to move, however, the transfer of weight on the injured leg gives them unpleasant, painful sensations in the heel. Palpation of the heel zone can reveal local pain and swelling on the sides of the calcaneus and from the side of the sole. With a calcaneus fracture, active articular movements in the ankle joint are sharply limited, and in the subtalar joint ( connection between calcaneus and talus) are impossible. This type of injury most often occurs when falling on your feet from a height, so this fact is an important diagnostic criterion, which the doctor must ask the patient about in the process of taking an anamnesis. Confirmation of the diagnosis of a fissure of the calcaneus ( more precisely - an incomplete fracture of the calcaneus) is carried out by assigning a patient an x-ray examination of the calcaneus in two projections - standard lateral ( showing the side of the foot from heel to toe) and axial ( dorsal plantar).

Heel spur

Patients with heel spurs complain of pain in the heel ( from the side of the sole) that appear when walking and running. Sometimes such pain may be present even at rest. The intensity of pain in the heel varies, but most often it is pronounced and haunts patients. Such patients usually cannot wear flat shoes and walk with heels or socks. The pain syndrome is quite pronounced in the morning, when patients just get out of bed, and decreases slightly during the day and at night. This is due to the fact that during sleep, the damaged plantar fascia heals a little ( as the patient's leg is resting). When getting out of bed, the load on it suddenly increases ( due to the fact that in the vertical position of the human body, about half of its mass presses on it), it is damaged again and inflammatory processes intensify in it.

When feeling ( palpation) of the calcaneal region, it is possible to detect an increase in pain in the area of ​​localization of the calcaneal tubercle - the place of attachment of the plantar fascia to it. In addition to clinical examinations, such patients may also be prescribed an X-ray examination of the heel in two mutually perpendicular projections. This study helps not only to establish the exact localization of inflammation and the presence of osteophytes ( heel spurs) in the area of ​​the calcaneal tuber, but also to exclude other possible pathologies ( e.g. calcaneal tumors, osteomyelitis, calcaneus fracture, etc.).

Achilles tendon strain

When the Achilles tendon is stretched, pain appears in the back of the heel. In this area, swelling and redness of the skin may also appear. The pain syndrome with such an injury, as a rule, increases when moving the foot on the toe, jumping, running or walking. Soreness can often be felt along the course of the Achilles tendon itself and intensify when it is probed with fingers. With significant stretching of the Achilles tendon, mobility in the ankle joint is sharply hampered. The slightest bend ( bringing the toes to the anterior surface of the lower leg) or extension ( abduction of the toes from the anterior surface of the lower leg) of the foot causes pain in the heel. With a rupture of the Achilles tendon, as a rule, there is severe pain in the heel region, severe swelling and hyperemia ( redness) skin at the site of injury. Active flexion or extension of the leg in the ankle joint is not possible.

For the diagnosis of stretching of the Achilles tendon, it is very important to clarify the patient's events and circumstances in which pain in the heel appeared, since, in most cases, such an injury occurs during physical exertion, mechanical injuries of the leg, falling from a height, poor warm-up before training etc. Therefore, anamnestic data are a very important criterion for diagnosing an Achilles tendon sprain. In addition to clarifying the patient's complaints and taking an anamnesis, he should also be assigned an ultrasound examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Using these methods, it is possible to quickly identify damage to the Achilles tendon and exclude other possible pathologies ( ). X-ray examination in such cases is not effective, since radiographs ( pictures taken from x-rays) sprains usually cannot be recognized.

Ankle sprain

When the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint are stretched, the patient experiences pain in the heel ( on its outer side), external ankle and ankle joint. These pain sensations are always aggravated by active movements in the ankle joint, as well as when trying to actively or passively supinate ( inward rotation) of the foot or its adduction. On palpation, local pain is felt below and / or in front of the outer ankle, as well as in the projection zones of the lateral surfaces of the talus and calcaneus. The skin over these areas is edematous and hyperemic ( Red). Ankle sprains most often occur during sports ( running, walking), when a person accidentally steps on the lateral ( outer side) surface of the foot. This should be taken into account when collecting history data. To exclude fractures of the bones of the foot and lower leg, which have similar symptoms, the patient is prescribed an X-ray examination.

Heel bruise

A bruise forms at the site of injury on the heel ( bruise), swelling and redness of the skin. The maximum soreness is felt by the patient right in the middle of the injury site. Also, open injuries, abrasions, wounds can be found at the site of the injury. It all depends on the characteristics of the traumatic factor. Closed damage ( e.g. calcaneus fracture) can be recognized by radiography or computed tomography of the heel region.

Gout

The diagnosis of gout is made on the basis of clinical, laboratory and instrumental research methods. The main clinical sign of gout is the sudden onset of pain in one or more joints ( most often the joints of the foot). Pain in the heel ( which develop if there is a lesion of the intertarsal joints), as a rule, occur at night, their intensity increases sharply by morning. Pain is always associated with redness and swelling of the skin over the affected joint. The duration of such an attack varies and ranges from one day to several weeks. The occurrence of such an attack is most often associated with certain provoking factors ( for example, visiting a sauna by a patient, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, meat food, medicines, the patient being in stressful situations, etc.). In a general blood test in such patients, leukocytosis can be detected ( an increase in the number of leukocytes) and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR) . In a biochemical blood test for gout, the amount of uric acid is increased. X-ray of the heel region can reveal intraosseous cystic formations ( tophi), filled with uric acid crystals, as well as subchondral ( subchondral) osteolysis ( bone destruction) tarsal bones.

Diabetic angiopathy

Since diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities is a complication of diabetes mellitus, in order to make such a diagnosis, it is necessary to establish the very fact of the presence of this endocrine disease. To detect diabetes in a patient, the level of glucose in the blood is examined, a glucose tolerance test is prescribed, laboratory tests for glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine, they are asked about the presence of symptoms of polyuria specific to diabetes ( frequent going to the toilet "on a small scale"), polyphagy ( frequent meals), polydipsia ( constant thirst), weight loss, etc.

If a patient has diabetes mellitus, then he is assigned consultations with doctors of the appropriate profile, who can establish and confirm the presence of one or another complication in him. For example, an ophthalmologist may diagnose diabetic retinopathy ( retinal damage due to diabetes), a general practitioner may identify a patient with diabetic nephropathy ( kidney damage due to diabetes), the surgeon usually diagnoses diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities.

With diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities on the leg ( or legs) in a patient, most often in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe foot, ulcers are visible against the background of dry, atrophied skin that has a pale or cyanotic color. The skin is often cracked and flaky. Pain in the heel region always has a different intensity, which is not related to the area and depth of ulcerative defects. This is due to the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy ( nerve damage), in which there is a noticeable decrease in skin sensitivity. Occasionally, these patients present with intermittent claudication ( that is, when walking, they cannot normally step on their feet due to pain syndrome). To assess the peripheral blood supply ( which is significantly impaired in this pathology) different methods are used ( ultrasound, radiopaque angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, etc.).

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus is characterized by the appearance of pain on the sides of the heel, its slight swelling and redness. Pain in this pathology, as a rule, increases with pressure on the heel with fingers ( especially from her sides), as well as when running, jumping, moving the foot to the toe. Most often, epiphysitis of the calcaneal bone develops in children aged 9–14 years who go in for sports daily and wear shoes with thin and flat soles ( boots, sneakers, running shoes, etc.). Sometimes this pathology can be observed in children who consume little calcium in food and are not exposed to enough sun ( the sun's rays stimulate the formation of vitamin D in the body, which is involved in the processes of bone ossification). The diagnosis of epiphysitis of the calcaneus is confirmed on the basis of the results of radiological studies ( computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging).

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuberosity is accompanied by diffuse pain in the heel after exercise ( running, walking, jumping, etc.) or foot extension. These pains can occur in both heels at the same time. Pain, as a rule, occurs when a person is in an upright position and subsides during sleep or rest. The heel with this disease swells, becomes red. The skin in this area has increased tactile sensitivity. As the disease progresses, heel pain becomes unbearable, so when walking, patients will mix the load on the forefoot ( walk on socks) and/or using crutches. When feeling the heel, there is pronounced local pain in the area of ​​​​attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneal tuberosity. The diagnosis of osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber is confirmed on the basis of X-ray data of the calcaneal region. This study helps to identify compaction and fragmentation of the calcaneal tubercle, its roughness, areas of aseptic ( non-infectious) necrosis ( tissue death) and etc.

Bursitis

Pain in Achilles bursitis and posterior calcaneal bursitis occurs in the back of the heel. There you can also find a slight swelling and redness of the skin. Achilles bursitis ( inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa) this swelling is usually located on both sides of the Achilles tendon, between it and the calcaneus. This type of bursitis most often occurs with injuries to the posterior surface of the heel, excessive physical exertion on the ankle joint, or the presence of Haglund's deformity ( the appearance of a bone growth near the retrocalcaneal synovial bag).

With posterior calcaneal bursitis ( inflammation of the superficial Achilles tendon bursa) swelling is more distinct ( in the form of a knot) and is located on the posterior surface of the Achilles tendon. This type of bursitis occurs in people who periodically wear tight, hard-toed shoes ( trailing edge). X-ray methods of research can help in establishing the final diagnosis to the doctor ( ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography). These studies can accurately identify signs of bursitis - an increase in the size of the synovial bag, hypertrophy ( thickening) its shell, the appearance of pathological contents inside it.

Reactive arthritis

With reactive arthritis, pain in the heel appears mainly on its lower or back surface. Pain can occur both at rest and during physical exertion. Heel pain in this pathology is almost always associated with pain in the knee, ankle or hip joints. Often they can be accompanied by balanitis ( inflammation of the skin of the glans penis), conjunctivitis ( inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye), uveitis ( inflammation of the choroid of the eye), glossitis ( inflammation of the tongue), fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss. When taking anamnesis in such patients, it is important to find out whether he was ill ( or sick at the moment) urogenital infection. Since this is one of the key diagnostic signs, since reactive arthritis is not an infectious disease, but occurs as a result of hyperimmune ( excessive immune) response to a past urogenital infection.

Important diagnostic signs of reactive arthritis are also the results of some laboratory tests. Immunological typing is performed in patients with suspected this disease ( study) for the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen ( a molecule on the surface of white blood cells that predisposes a patient to developing reactive arthritis), serological tests and PCR ( polymerase chain reaction) for the presence of antigens in his blood ( particles) harmful microbes ( that have caused genitourinary infections in the past), as well as microbiological examination of smears from the urethra, cervical canal, conjunctiva of the eyes ( to detect chlamydia).

Tuberculosis of the calcaneus

With tuberculosis of the calcaneus, the patient develops diffuse pain in the heel area. Most often they are associated with the load of the foot during physical exercises ( walking, running, jumping). Because of this, the patient often shifts weight on the forefoot and limps noticeably. Heel pain can also occur at rest. If this pathology occurs in a child at an early age, then, in most cases, it is accompanied by deformation and underdevelopment of the foot ( as in tuberculosis, the destruction of the bone under the influence of bacteria). In addition to pain in the tubercle of the calcaneus, significant swelling of the calcaneal region and redness of the heel can be detected. The diagnosis of this disease is confirmed by X-ray or computed tomography, which can detect a focus of dead bone tissue in the thickness of the calcaneus ( in the form of enlightenment). Zones of osteoporosis are visible around the focus ( bone demineralization). If infection spreads from the heel bone to the talocalcaneal joint, then arthritis develops ( joint inflammation), which can also be seen on radiographs ( pictures taken with x-rays).

Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus

With osteomyelitis, there is a sharp and severe pain in the calcaneus, which is quite well detected by palpation. Pain in the heel with this pathology, as a rule, is accompanied by chills and fever. The heel itself in such cases swells, becomes red. Since osteomyelitis of the calcaneus occurs most often secondary ( against the background of diabetes mellitus, fractures of the calcaneus, injuries of the calcaneal zone, etc.), it is important to establish the presence of its cause. What the doctor does during the collection of anamnesis and examination of the patient. In a general blood test in a patient with osteomyelitis, leukocytosis can be detected ( an increase in the number of leukocytes), an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR). With the help of radiography and computed tomography, it is possible to detect the presence of destruction zones in the calcaneus ( destruction), sites of osteoporosis ( softening of the bone tissue), thickening of its periosteum.

How to treat when the heel hurts?

In the treatment of diseases of the heel zone, various groups of medications are prescribed ( antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-gout agents, glucocorticoids, etc.), physiotherapy, wearing various orthopedic insoles, shoes, bandages or plaster casts. In the absence of positive results during conservative treatment, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment. Such treatment may be the main one. As a basic surgical treatment, it is used for some pathologies of the heel zone ( e.g. tuberculosis or osteomyelitis of the calcaneus, tarsal tunnel syndrome).

Haglund deformity

In mild cases of Haglund's deformity, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy treatment ( electrophoresis, massage, ultra-high frequency therapy, ultra-high frequency therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.), wearing shoes without a back ( trailing edge) and special orthopedic insoles that reduce the load on the calcaneus. In such cases, it is also recommended to avoid excessive physical exertion and give the sore leg more rest. In more severe cases, when no significant changes in the clinical course of the disease are observed with conservative treatment, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment. It consists in endoscopic removal of the bone outgrowth from the surface of the calcaneal tuber, bursectomy ( removal of the retrocalcaneal bursa) and mechanical restoration of the function of the Achilles tendon.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome depends on the underlying cause. In the presence of volumetric pathological formations in the tarsal canal ( as well as with congenital or acquired deformities of the foot) the patient needs surgical intervention, through which these formations are removed and the normal patency of this canal is restored. In some cases ( this is especially true for congenital or acquired deformities of the foot) such patients are prescribed orthopedic correction ( wearing special orthopedic shoes) to normalize the biomechanics of the foot. In case of foot injuries, temporary immobilization is performed ( joint immobilization), prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy measures ( gymnastics, massage, electrophoresis, etc.).

Heel fracture

After a person falls from a height and he has severe pain in the heel, it is advisable to immediately call an ambulance. If this is not possible, then you should immobilize ( immobilize) the injured leg with the help of spikes and transport the victim to the traumatology department. Immobilization of the leg is necessary in order not to cause displacement of the bone fragments that appeared with a crack in the calcaneus. With a crack in the calcaneus, conservative treatment is prescribed. It consists in applying a plaster cast to the injured limb. Gypsum is applied from the foot to the knee joint for 8 to 10 weeks.

In the first 7-10 days, the patient needs to walk with crutches, while leaning on a cast leg is not allowed. After this period, you can start a full-fledged walking, gradually increasing the load on the damaged heel zone. Full working capacity of the patient is restored after 3-4 months. Such a long period of rehabilitation is explained by the fact that the calcaneus serves as the main supporting structure when a person walks. When standing upright, the entire weight of the human body presses on this bone, so it is very important that the patient endure the entire period of immobilization of the leg in order to completely heal the fracture and prevent various complications ( for example, displacement of bone fragments, increase in the size of the crack, etc.).

Heel spur

Patients with heel spurs are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). For severe pain, local corticosteroids are sometimes administered ( hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs). In addition to drugs, they are prescribed night orthoses ( special orthopedic shoes), which are worn during sleep to stretch the plantar aponeurosis and fix the foot in one position, as well as carrying out special physiotherapy procedures ( gymnastics, cryotherapy, shock wave therapy, ultrasound therapy, massage, electrophoresis, etc.). The effectiveness of such treatment always varies and depends on each individual case. If conservative treatment does not help such patients, then they are prescribed surgical treatment ( plantar fasciotomy, heel spur removal, radiofrequency tenotomy, etc.). The choice of the type of surgical treatment is selected individually.

Achilles tendon strain

A sprained Achilles tendon is treated conservatively. If you feel pain in the back of the heel, you should immediately apply cold to the sore spot ( ice bag). Cold compresses are effective only in the first 1 - 3 days from the moment of stretching. Cold does not need to be kept at the site of injury all day long, it is enough to apply it periodically for 20 to 30 minutes if there is pain in the heel region. The injured leg must be immobilized ( immobilize) with a tight bandage wrapped around and stabilizing the ankle joint. It is not recommended to carry out any movements in this joint ( this is especially true for sharp, impulsive, flexion and extensor movements). It is necessary for some time to give up physical activity, sports.

If the patient has severe pain in the back of the heel, in addition to cold compresses, he needs to take anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs ( ibuprofen, baralgin, diclofenac, etc.). It should be remembered that severe pain in the back of the heel can also appear with other pathologies ( for example, with a rupture of the Achilles tendon, a fracture of the calcaneus, etc.), therefore, before self-treating an Achilles tendon sprain, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor. Also, with this stretching, physiotherapy procedures help well ( cryotherapy, electrophoresis, ultra-high-frequency therapy, ultra-high-frequency therapy, low-frequency magnetotherapy, massage, therapeutic exercises, etc.), which significantly reduce the rehabilitation period, which takes quite significant periods of time for such patients ( on average, from 2 weeks to 2 - 3 months).

Ankle sprain

With this type of injury, an 8-shaped bandage is applied ( Suitable for both elastic and non-elastic bandage) on the ankle joint, thereby immobilizing the leg. The patient must wear such a bandage for 5 to 14 days. If the pain syndrome is quite pronounced, then you can drink non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.), which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. On top of the dressing in the first 1 - 2 days, you can also apply cold compresses. From 3 to 4 days, the patient is further prescribed thermal compresses and physiotherapy for accelerated healing of damaged ligaments.

Heel bruise

Immediately after a heel bruise, it is necessary to attach an ice bag to it and drink an anesthetic ( ibuprofen, analgin, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc.). Cold compresses should be applied only on the first day ( 1 - 2 day) and as needed ( until swelling subsides and pain in the heel decreases). Painkillers are also sold in ointments and have almost the same names as their tablet counterparts. If there are abrasions or wounds at the site of the foot injury, then they must be lubricated with some kind of antiseptic ( brilliant green, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) and apply a sterile bandage on top. Local anesthetics ( ointments, gels) in the presence of open lesions on the heel should not be used, as this can lead to additional infection in the skin of the foot. After a foot injury, it is advisable to consult a traumatologist. This needs to be done immediately immediately), because heel bruises are often complicated by a fissure of the calcaneus, damage to the Achilles tendon and ligaments of the ankle joint.

Gout

Anti-gout medications are prescribed to treat gout. colchicine), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, uricosuric ( accelerate the excretion of uric acid from the body) and uricostatic ( reduce the formation of uric acid in tissues) drugs. The last two groups of drugs ( uricosuric and uricostatic agents) should only be taken after an attack of pain, as they affect the concentration of uric acid in the blood and thus may contribute to an increase in the duration of an attack of gout. Also, with gout, a special diet is prescribed, which completely excludes the use of various products by the patient ( sardines, red meat, anchovies, alcohol, spinach, liver, etc.), affecting the level of uric acid in the blood.

Diabetic angiopathy

In case of diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, complex treatment is prescribed. In order to correct carbohydrate metabolism, the patient is prescribed a diet that includes the consumption of a certain amount of carbohydrates per day, as well as insulin therapy ( administration of insulin to lower blood glucose levels). To normalize microcirculation in the foot area, analogues of prostaglandin E1 are prescribed ( angioprotectors), anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents ( prevent thrombus formation in blood vessels). To get rid of the infection in the area of ​​​​ulcers, patients are prescribed various antibacterial drugs and antiseptics. Antiseptics most often use a place in the form of compresses. Ulcerative defects themselves are treated surgically ( remove dead tissue in the area of ​​ulcers). Such patients are also recommended to prescribe special unloading shoes, unloading bandages to reduce the risk of new foot ulcers and accelerate the healing of existing ones.

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus is not a serious pathology. It is treated fairly quickly and only in a conservative way. Such patients are advised to give full rest to the sore leg, to avoid physical exertion. It is better for them to change the sport for a while. These patients should definitely wear a heel pad - an orthopedic device that is installed between the heel and the sole in the shoe. It helps reduce stress on the heel area and reduces traction on the Achilles tendon during leg movement. With intense pain, cold can be applied to the heel ( ice bag). With epiphysitis of the calcaneus, physiotherapy treatment helps very well, therefore, physiotherapy is often prescribed for such patients ( electrophoresis, massage, mud baths, ultra-high frequency therapy, microwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.).

In very rare cases ( for example, when pain in the heel is unbearable The doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient. These drugs reduce inflammation in the tissues and relieve pain in the heel. However, these funds should not be abused, since the disease is not so serious and dangerous. Pain in the heel during treatment will not go away immediately, sometimes they can last more than one week ( sometimes up to 1-3 months). It all depends on the speed of fusion between the partially separated sections of the calcaneus. If a calcium or vitamin D deficiency is detected in a child, he is prescribed appropriate drugs. In severe clinical situations ( which is quite rare) in such patients, a plaster cast may be put on the leg to completely immobilize the injured limb.

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber

With significant pain in the heel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. It is recommended that the sick leg be given complete rest or significantly reduce the static load on it. The latter can be realized with the help of special orthopedic insoles ( heel pads), made of gel and placed under the heel when wearing shoes. In rare cases, the doctor may make the patient temporarily immobilize the limb by applying a plaster splint to the lower limb. To accelerate tissue healing in osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber, all patients are usually prescribed multivitamin preparations and undergoing various physiotherapeutic procedures ( electrophoresis, ultra-high frequency therapy, microwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.). With timely access to a specialist doctor, the prognosis of treatment, in most cases, is favorable.

Bursitis

With Achilles bursitis and posterior calcaneal bursitis, comfortable shoes with or without a soft back edge should be worn. Patients with these pathologies are prescribed various local anti-inflammatory drugs based on NSAIDs ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or glucocorticoids in combination with anesthetics ( painkillers). In some cases, the doctor has to puncture an oversized synovial sac to remove the accumulated exudate in it ( pathological fluid). In addition to drug treatment for Achilles bursitis and posterior calcaneal bursitis, physiotherapy is also prescribed ( electrophoresis, ultra-high frequency therapy, microwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.), which quite well helps to reduce inflammation in the affected synovial bags. If conservative treatment fails, the patient is scheduled for bursectomy ( surgical removal of the synovium).

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs ( diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, etc.), immunosuppressants ( Plaquenil, azathioprine, delagil, methotrexate, etc.) and antibiotics ( ciprofloxacin, rondomycin, spiramycin, tetracycline, etc.). Antibiotics are used to destroy the remnants of the infection ( most common urogenital chlamydial infection) in the patient. Immunosuppressants ( suppress the activity of the immune system) and anti-inflammatory drugs help well to stop pain in the joints and in the heel region.

Tuberculosis of the calcaneus

The choice of treatment for calcaneal tuberculosis depends on its severity, the presence of complications, and the prevalence of the destructive process. In the initial stages of the disease, when the pathological focus in the calcaneus is small, they resort to conservative treatment, which consists in massive antibiotic therapy, including several types of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor according to special therapeutic regimens. In the later stages of the disease, and also when conservative therapy was found to be ineffective, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment, consisting of mechanical removal of dead tissues of the calcaneus and disinfection of the cavity formed inside it.

Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus

A patient with osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is prescribed antibiotics, immunomodulators ( increase immunity), vitamins, detoxifying agents. In addition to drugs, he is shown surgical treatment, which consists in opening a purulent focus in the calcaneus, cleansing it of pus and dead tissues, and thoroughly disinfecting the site of purulent inflammation. After surgical treatment, the patient is recommended to undergo a course of physiotherapy ( electrophoresis, ultrahigh-frequency therapy, etc.), which includes methods aimed at reducing inflammation and destroying the remaining infection in the calcaneus. It should be noted that osteomyelitis is a rather dangerous pathology that requires specialized medical care, so all stages of its treatment the patient must undergo in a hospital ( hospital).



Why do heels hurt in the morning?

Many diseases of the heel zone ( heel contusion, osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber, reactive arthritis, gout, diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities) begin to manifest themselves in the morning. This is explained by an increase in physical load on the heel area. When the patient gets out of bed, most of his weight while walking is pressing on the damaged and inflamed anatomical heel structures ( calcaneus, talocalcaneal joint, subcutaneous tissue, skin, Achilles tendon, ankle ligaments, etc.), as a result of which he has pain in the heels, and the heels themselves often swell and become red. Pain in the heels with these pathologies can disturb the patient at rest, but their intensity will be much lower ( especially if the patient has previously taken an anesthetic) than when it begins to move in space. In diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, the disappearance of pain at rest, as a rule, is associated with the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy in the patient ( nerve damage due to diabetes), in which there is a noticeable decrease in sensitivity in the tissues of the foot.

Why does the back of the heel hurt?

The appearance of pain in the posterior surface of the heel indicates the presence in this area of ​​the pathology of the calcaneal tuber of the calcaneus ( e.g. cracks or Haglund deformations) or stretching of the Achilles tendon, or the appearance of bursitis ( inflammation of the synovium). All these diseases usually occur due to various injuries of the heel zone ( when falling from a height onto the foot, running on uneven surfaces, direct blows to the heel, excessive physical exertion), the use of uncomfortable shoes, the lack of a full warm-up before exercise.

Why does the inside of the heel hurt?

Localized pain on the inside of the heel refers to the heel area, which is located just below the inner ankle) most often occur as a result of her injury, sprain of the medial ligaments of the ankle joint, cracks in the calcaneal tuber of the calcaneus. Much less often, such pains appear due to epiphysitis of the calcaneus. All these pathologies have a traumatic genesis ( origin) and do not represent anything serious ( except for a fissure of the calcaneal tuberosity of the calcaneus). For pain in this area, you should consult with a traumatologist.

Which doctor should I contact if my heels hurt?

If you have pain in the heels, you should consult a traumatologist. With most pathologies of the heel region ( Haglund deformity, tarsal tunnel syndrome, calcaneal fissure, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendon sprain, ankle sprain, heel contusion, osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber, calcaneal osteomyelitis, bursitis, calcaneal epiphysitis) it is this doctor who is able to fully help the patient.

If such pains are simultaneously associated with pains in other joints, it is better to go for a consultation with a rheumatologist, since the defeat of several joints at once most likely indicates that the patient has an autoimmune or metabolic disease ( e.g. reactive arthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). If, with pain in the heels, ulcers appear on the skin of the heel region and the patient has the main symptoms of diabetes mellitus ( increased desire to consume food and water, weight loss, frequent going to the toilet), then he should definitely go to an endocrinologist.

What ointment can be used when the heel hurts?

It is advisable not to use ointment for pain in the heel until their cause is established. This is due to the fact that with some pathologies of the heel zone, local remedies ( ointments, gels, sprays, etc.) may turn out to be either completely ineffective ( calcaneal tuberculosis, calcaneal osteomyelitis, diabetic angiopathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, gout, reactive arthritis), or insufficiently effective ( calcaneal fissure, osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber, calcaneal epiphysitis). For many of these pathologies, it is necessary to take drugs in tablet form.

For other diseases ( e.g. heel contusion, Achilles tendon sprain, ankle sprain, heel spur, Haglund's deformity, bursitis) heel zone ointments help quite well, which is why they are prescribed to the patient in most cases. In addition, local remedies do not have such a toxic effect on the body as tablets do. Local remedies act much faster, as a result of which they are preferred for injuries of the heel zone and if the patient has a superficial inflammatory process.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed for heel pain ( NSAIDs), painkillers and local irritants. NSAIDs ( diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, etc.) reduce pain, swelling and redness at the site of injury. An ointment based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended to be applied immediately after the injury. Also on the first day, you can use an ointment that includes an anesthetic ( anesthetic), for example, menovazine. A few days later, after the swelling at the site of injury subsides, the patient should apply locally irritating ointments to the painful area ( finalgon, viprosal, gevkamen, nikoflex, etc.). It should be remembered that locally irritating ointments should not be used on the first day after injury, as they contribute to increased swelling.

Why does the heel hurt and it hurts to step on?

Pain in the heel when stepping on it occurs in the vast majority of pathologies of the heel zone ( osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber, Haglund's deformity, calcaneal fissure, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendon sprain, heel bruise, calcaneal osteomyelitis, bursitis, calcaneal epiphysitis, calcaneal tuberculosis, etc.). This happens because when walking, the main part of the body weight falls on the calcaneus, resulting in compression of the inflamed tissues ( skin, subcutaneous tissue, periosteum, tendons, ligaments, etc.) in the heel, equipped with a large number of nerve endings. Therefore, it is quite difficult to say which pathology causes pain in the heel when stepping on it. To clarify the diagnosis in such cases, it is necessary to take into account the localization of pain, other symptoms ( for example, the patient has a temperature, pain in other joints, the presence of ulcers on the skin of the heel surface, etc.), as well as conduct the necessary research ( blood tests, x-rays, computed tomography, etc.).

Why does the heel hurt on the side?

The most common cause of lateral pain ( outside) heel is a stretching of the lateral ligaments ( calcaneofibular and anterior talofibular ligaments) of the ankle joint, which occurs when the foot is accidentally turned inward ( stepping on the outer lateral surface of the foot), which is often observed when walking, running. Pain during stretching of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint is associated with damage to the structure of their connective tissue fibers. Pain on the side of the heel can also be caused by a fissure of the calcaneus or epiphysitis of the calcaneus. The symptoms of both of these pathologies can be quite similar to sprains of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint. In addition, it is extremely difficult to recognize these pathologies only by symptoms, therefore, in these cases, the patient is assigned to undergo an x-ray examination of the heel region. Pain in the heel with epiphysitis and a fissure of the calcaneus is usually caused by inflammatory processes inside it.

Why does the sole of the heel hurt?

Sole pain is most often associated with plantar fasciitis ( heel spur), in which there is inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis. Slightly less often, the cause of their occurrence can be tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is a consequence of mechanical compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal canal ( medial ankle canal), located behind the medial ( inner side) ankles. With this syndrome, pain can radiate ( spread) on the rest of the sole or rise up to the gluteal zone. Sole pain can also be a sign that the patient has a heel injury, in which the tubercle of the calcaneus is often damaged and its crack occurs. Such pains can appear with diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, tuberculosis and osteomyelitis of the calcaneus.

What folk remedies can be used when the heels hurt?

Folk remedies are rarely used in the treatment of diseases of the heel zone, due to their low effectiveness. Some of these diseases are generally not recommended to try to treat with folk remedies. First of all, this applies to such pathologies as calcaneal fissure, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Haglund's deformity, gout, diabetic angiopathy of the lower extremities, reactive arthritis, calcaneal tuberculosis, calcaneal osteomyelitis, calcaneal epiphysitis, osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber. In the presence of these diseases, the patient needs qualified medical care.

Folk remedies can usually be used for mechanical injuries of the foot - bruises of the heel, sprain of the ankle joint or Achilles tendon, bursitis. Sometimes they help with plantar fasciitis ( heel spur). It should be remembered that before self-medication, you must first consult with your doctor.

Folk remedies that can be used for heel pain are as follows:

  • Tincture of white acacia flowers. This tincture is used for heel spurs. For its preparation, white acacia flowers are taken and mixed with vodka in a ratio of 1/3. Tincture of white acacia flowers should be lubricated with the sole of the foot several times a day.
  • Tincture from marsh cinquefoil. Take and mix the roots of marsh cinquefoil with vodka in a ratio of 1/3. After that, this mixture must be insisted for a day. This tincture is recommended to use 2 tablespoons 3 times a day. Marsh cinquefoil tincture is usually indicated for patients with plantar fasciitis.
  • Potato compress. Potato compresses are often applied to the site of injury with a bruised heel, sprained ankle or Achilles tendon, as well as various types of bursitis. To make such a compress, you need to take a few raw potatoes and chop them on a grater. After that, a gauze compress should be made from the resulting slurry, which should be applied to the injury site several times a day.
  • Compress from plantain leaves. Take one tablespoon of dry, crushed plantain leaves and mix them with finely chopped onion ( 1 small onion). After that, an equal amount of honey should be added to this mixture. All this must then be placed in a boiling water bath and well placed. The resulting aqueous solution then needs to be insisted and filtered. Compresses can be made from it, which are applied to sore spots on the heel that have arisen from a heel bruise, sprain of the ankle joint or Achilles tendon.
  • Horsetail infusion. To prepare it, you need to place 50-60 grams of dry horsetail grass in 500 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture must be insisted for 30 - 60 minutes. After this, the tincture must be filtered and made into a gauze compress, which should then be applied to the sore heel 2-3 times a day.

What causes a child's heel pain?

Heel pain in a child is most often caused by various types of traumatic injuries ( calcaneal epiphysitis, heel contusion, ankle sprain, Achilles tendon sprain, calcaneal fissure, osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuberosity), in which tissue inflammation is noted ( bones, tendons, ligaments, subcutaneous tissue, etc.) of the heel zone. Heel injuries are common in children. Their appearance is associated with high physical stresses that their body is exposed to in various sections, on the street, on various hiking trips, etc. Despite the fact that these loads have a favorable development for the growth and development of the child, in some cases they can be a little harm their health. The fact is that in children at an early age, the entire bone-articular-ligamentous apparatus is not yet fully formed, so excessive physical activity can adversely affect its condition. Equally important in this case is the hereditary predisposition of the child to various injuries.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.