Is heel pain when walking a sign of high uric acid levels?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
Heel pain while walking is not necessarily caused by high uric acid levels; it may result from ill-fitting shoes, Achilles tendinitis, or heel spurs. Symptoms can be relieved by maintaining a healthy weight, properly managing exercise and work schedules, wearing shoes suited to your foot shape, and avoiding high heels, excessive fatigue, and prolonged standing. If the pain persists or becomes severe, seek medical evaluation for diagnosis and treatment.
Heel pain while walking is not necessarily caused by high uric acid levels; it may result from ill-fitting shoes, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, and other conditions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Ill-fitting shoes
Shoes that are too tight or too loose can exert pressure and cause friction on the feet, particularly affecting the heel area. Choose shoes that match your foot shape, ensure sufficient support in the heel counter, and pay attention to whether the shoe sole is too hard or too soft.
2. Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed due to injury or overuse. It commonly affects individuals engaged in high-impact activities such as running or jumping, but may also be caused by wearing improper footwear, abnormal gait, or muscle atrophy. Achilles tendinitis causes localized pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility in the tendon. Since the Achilles tendon connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the calf muscles, inflammation here often leads to heel pain. Follow medical advice for medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or enteric-coated aspirin tablets.
3. Heel spurs
Heel spurs develop when excessive strain or injury leads to long-term stress on the plantar fascia. A heel spur is a bony protrusion formed by calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. This protrusion can rub against soft tissues during walking, causing heel pain. If the spur penetrates nearby soft tissue, it may trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in more severe pain and swelling. Management includes weight control, proper scheduling of physical activity and work, avoiding high heels, fatigue, and prolonged standing.
In addition to the above, gout, plantar fasciitis, and neuralgia can also cause heel pain when walking. Accurate diagnosis depends on specific symptoms, and it is best to visit a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
