What causes pain in the back of the heel?
Nov 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
1. Improper footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too stiff, or have uneven soles can cause pressure and friction on the heel. Pain usually occurs at the area where the shoe contacts the heel and may be accompanied by localized redness, swelling, and tenderness. Patients should switch to properly fitting shoes and may also soak their feet in warm water or apply heat using a heating pad or physical therapy device.
Generally, heel pain may be caused by factors such as inappropriate footwear, overexertion, trauma, subcalcaneal bone spurs, and gout. The specific details are as follows:
1. Inappropriate Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too stiff, or have uneven soles may exert pressure and cause friction on the heel. Pain typically occurs at the contact area between the shoes and the heel, and may be accompanied by localized redness, swelling, and tenderness. Patients should switch to suitable footwear and may apply warm foot soaks, hot compresses using a heating pad, or physical therapy devices.
2. Overexertion: Prolonged weight-bearing walking or excessive exercise may lead to foot muscle injuries. Pain may be accompanied by foot swelling and discomfort. Patients should reduce heel activity, avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged standing.
3. Trauma: Injuries such as impact wounds, crush injuries, or bruises may cause dislocation or fractures of the foot joints, resulting in heel pain. Symptoms may also include foot bruising and deformity. Patients should treat the injury accordingly, such as wiping the skin with iodophor, medical alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which can help reduce inflammation, and avoid further trauma.
4. Subcalcaneal Bone Spurs: Degenerative changes in the heel may lead to subcalcaneal bone spurs, causing heel pain. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, circulation-promoting and analgesic capsules, or celecoxib capsules under medical guidance for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
5. Gout: Gout is a condition caused by excessive deposition of uric acid. When uric acid levels in the body are too high, it tends to accumulate in the joints, including the heel, causing pain. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as joint redness, swelling, and increased skin temperature. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as colchicine tablets, benzbromarone tablets, or allopurinol tablets, which can exert anti-inflammatory effects, relieve gout symptoms, and inhibit uric acid synthesis.
Patients should keep their feet warm and avoid cold exposure. They may also apply warm compresses, perform hot foot soaks, and wear thick-soled, soft shoes.
