{"id":699,"date":"2025-07-06T09:32:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T09:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/podcare.gr\/?post_type=pathology&p=699"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:35:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T11:35:24","slug":"heel-pain","status":"publish","type":"pathology","link":"https:\/\/podcare.gr\/en\/pathology\/heel-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Heel Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Heel pain<\/strong> is a common problem that may be caused by various factors, such as overuse, inflammation, and musculoskeletal disorders. Depending on the cause, the pain may be mild or severe, occurring either during walking or even at rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Main Causes of Heel Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Plantar fasciitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The most common cause of heel pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that supports the arch of the foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Typical symptom: Intense pain during the first morning steps or when walking after prolonged inactivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Heel spur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 A bony growth on the underside of the heel due to chronic strain or inflammation of the plantar fascia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It often accompanies plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It causes pain, especially during weight-bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Achilles tendinitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The pain is usually located at the back of the heel and worsens with running or prolonged standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Heel fissures (cracked heels)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 These are caused by dryness and loss of skin elasticity, resulting in cracks that may become painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 They are more common in individuals with genetic predisposition, obesity, diabetes mellitus, or prolonged standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Heel fat pad syndrome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Atrophy of the natural fat \u201ccushion\u201d in the heel, which contributes to shock absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It is often seen in older adults or in people who place intense pressure on their heels (runners, individuals with increased body weight).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Injuries and stress fractures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 These may be caused by prolonged strain (e.g. running on hard surfaces) or trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The pain is usually localised and increases with pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Neurological or systemic conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Nerve entrapment (Baxter\u2019s neuritis): Causes pain that may mimic plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Arthritis or gout: Inflammatory conditions that may affect the joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Intense heel pain in the morning (plantar fasciitis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Pain at the back of the heel (Achilles tendinitis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Burning sensation or numbness (possible neurological cause).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Swelling, redness, or difficulty walking (possible inflammation or injury).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Management and Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Conservative methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Rest: Avoidance of activities that worsen the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Cryotherapy: Application of ice for 10\u201315 minutes, 2\u20133 times a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Orthotic insoles: They support the arch and reduce pressure on the heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Physiotherapy: Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Footwear modification: Choosing anatomical shoes with shock-absorbing soles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Anti-inflammatory medication: Ibuprofen or similar preparations for pain relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Minimally invasive treatments:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Cortisone injection: In cases of severe and persistent pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Shockwave Therapy: A treatment that helps reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Laser therapy: Used to accelerate healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Maintaining a healthy weight in order to reduce pressure on the heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Appropriate footwear with good shock absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Avoidance of intense activities without adequate warm-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Regular stretching to maintain the elasticity of the foot muscles and tendons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Visit the Podiatrist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If the pain persists for more than 2\u20133 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If you have difficulty placing weight on your foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If there is significant swelling, redness, or increased warmth in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If the pain worsens despite conservative treatment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Heel pain<\/strong> may have various causes, ranging from simple overuse to chronic conditions. Proper diagnosis and management are important for relieving symptoms and preventing complications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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