[50M] Experiencing heel pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your heel pain include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports the arch of your foot becomes inflamed or irritated. This is often due to repetitive strain injury from activities like running or jumping. The pain is usually worse after rest, such as when you first get up in the morning.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. In some cases, your doctor may recommend wearing a splint at night or using orthotic shoe inserts.

• Achilles Tendinitis: This is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

• Heel Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa, a small sack of fluid that cushions the heel bone. This can be caused by landing hard or awkwardly on the heel, or by pressure from footwear. Pain at the back of the heel, difficulty bending your foot down, and tenderness when you press the sides of the heel may indicate bursitis.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.

What you can do

1. Rest your foot as much as possible and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
2. Apply ice to your heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help with many causes of heel pain. A physical therapist can provide appropriate exercises based on your specific condition.

What you should look out for

If your pain is severe, if it doesn't improve after two weeks of home treatment, or if it prevents you from walking or doing other normal activities, seek medical attention. Also, if you notice redness or warmth in your heel, or if you have a fever, these could be signs of an infection and you should see a doctor immediately.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.