After a night of rest, stabbing heel pain can occur. Recurrent pain that persists for several days after the activity. You may feel a new, more painful bump at the heel. Is it just your heels sore? Are your heels just sore?
Your feet are used a lot each day. It is not uncommon to experience occasional aches or pains. If the pain persists or comes and goes, it could be a sign that something is wrong. The one thing that all heel pains have in common is the fact that it’s a sign your heel needs to heal.
Continue reading to find out the top causes and how to get treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason for heel pain
Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is inflammation or damage to your plantar fascia. This ligament runs along your bottom and attaches to your heel. Repetitive motion and other factors that place a lot of pressure on your arch can often cause this condition.
Plantar fasciitis: Where and when does it hurt?
Plantar fasciitis pain may flare up at any moment. You may experience heel pain after or during exercise or from being on your heels for too long. After walking, or doing other exercises, your heels may hurt. This is a sign that your plantar fascia has been overused or inflamed and needs to be taken care of.
Heel pain following long periods of rest is one of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis. You might feel tightness in your feet when you get up in the morning. It can then be shooting, stabbing pain when you place your foot on the floor. Why is this happening? Is it because heel pain is worse in the morning?
Plantar fascia ligaments become tighter when people sleep on their feet. After sitting for a while, you will likely feel heel pain. Resting your foot is likely to help it heal. The tissue will feel better once you get up and move around.
How can plantar fasciitis be diagnosed and treated?
A podiatrist is a specialist who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. An official diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can only be made by a podiatrist. There are many home remedies for plantar fasciitis. These are highly effective in managing and healing pain. These include wearing supportive shoes, using hot and cold therapy, and focusing on stretches and exercises.
Another thing you can do is to avoid bare feet. Avoid barefoot walking, even at home. Barefoot can put additional strain on your feet. Slip-on some supportive shoes or slippers instead.
A podiatrist might recommend cortisone injections if your heel pain becomes severe or affects daily activities. If conservative treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be recommended in more severe cases.
Other causes of heel pain
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes pain in your Achilles tendon and the heel.
This is when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. It usually occurs due to excessive exercise or increased intensity or frequency. This is a common condition in runners.
A mild ache will likely develop with increased activity. You may feel tenderness or stiffness after a long rest period or exercise. The pain will usually improve with light activity and stretching throughout the day.
As with other injuries from overuse, Achilles tendonitis can be treated by rest and modification of activities to reduce strain. If you have tiny tears in your Achilles tendon there may be a need for surgery.
A podiatrist will diagnose Achilles tendonitis if you suspect you may have it. You may also be offered additional treatment options such as physical therapy or braces or splints that reduce strain and speed up tendon healing.
Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s disease causes bony growth on the heel. Haglund’s defect is sometimes called “pump bump” as it can be quite common in high-heeled people. However, shoes with a rigid back (including men’s dress shoes or ice skates) can cause irritation to the heel.
Other than the painful bump, Haglund’s symptoms include:
- Pain at the heel, where your Achilles tendon attaches
- You feel a lot of swelling in your heel
- Redness and inflammation of the skin around your heel
Supportive shoes with soft backs are one of the best ways to ease the pain. You can also try icing your heel and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
It’s also a good idea for Haglund to see a podiatrist, especially as bursitis can result from Haglund’s deformity.
Heel Bursitis
Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa. This is a tiny sack of fluid that cushions the area where tissues rub against one another. There are bursae all over your body. These bursae can be found in and around the joints where there is a risk of pressure and rubbing. There are two types, depending on the location of fluid pockets.
- Subcalcaneal Bursitis The calcaneal boursa is found between the Achilles tendon (the skin at the back) and the heel. Haglund’s defect is frequently linked to Calcaneal Bursitis. It usually results from shoes that dig into the heel. This type of inflammation is most common in women who wear high heels and athletes who wear poorly fitting shoes. If you feel pain in your heel, redness, or swelling that makes it difficult to put on shoes, you may have calcaneal Bursitis.
- Retrocalcaneal Bursitis The retrocalcaneal boursa is found between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, just above the Achilles tendon. This bursitis can occur after irritation to the bursa repeatedly and may be caused by Achilles tendonitis or Haglund’s defect. This condition is also common in people with posterior calcaneal bone spurs. These may need to be removed surgically to obtain relief. This type of bursitis can occur if there is severe pain and swelling at the Achilles tendon junction with the heel bone.
Treatments for bursitis are the same as other heel conditions: rest, anti-inflammatory medication, heat, or an ice pack. Avoid activities that could make the pain worse, such as playing tennis again or wearing uncomfortable shoes. Talk to a podiatrist if the pain persists or your heel feels hot.
Heel Fracture
You can also fracture the large bone at the heel, the calcaneus. This can happen suddenly after a trauma. Sometimes, heel fractures develop more slowly due to overuse.
After a trauma, Calcaneus fractures
You will feel sudden pain in your heel if it is fractured. This could happen after you have fallen from heights or been in an accident. The doctor will perform a physical exam and take X-rays to diagnose the condition. This will help determine the best treatment.
Overuse can cause a fracture
The most common stress fracture is a small hairline crack in the bone. This can cause pain slowly.
The location and severity of a stress fracture will affect the symptoms. It is possible to feel heel pain while walking. However, it can sometimes disappear when you rest. The pain may be less severe in the morning, but it can get worse at night.
You should not exercise if you suspect you have a stress fracture in the heel. Also, try to reduce the weight that you put on your heel. A podiatrist appointment is also recommended. The pain can become worse and may lead to a fracture.
The rarest cause is plantar bone spurs
A bone spur can develop on your heel from long-term repetitive straining of your ligaments connecting your heel and your toes. These bony growths are actually caused by your foot trying to heal itself.
One in ten people has a plantar bone spur. Only 5% of people experience foot pain from bone spurs. Plantar fasciitis is more likely to cause heel pain than other conditions. Plantar bone spurs are common in people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
It is a good step to seek help for your heel pain
Your heel hurts and needs your attention. There are many ways to relieve the pain at home. These include rest, ice, heat therapy, exercises, stretches, and buying supportive shoes. If your pain persists, see a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are experts in the treatment of foot and ankle problems. They can diagnose and treat specific conditions in the office. Many are also foot and ankle specialists who can offer more advanced care when necessary.