What causes heel pain. Why does the heel on the right leg hurt

Pain in the heel area is not always associated with diseases or injuries. Sometimes their causes are due to physiology, and turn out to be the most banal.

For example:

1. If you feel pain in your heel while walking, it may mean that you are wearing a heel that is too high for you.
2. Pain in this area can also be triggered by a decrease in subcutaneous fat under the surface of the sole, especially if you suddenly significantly increased your physical activity: it turns out that the heels seem to have “lost weight”.
3. Your heels may ache after a long walk or after standing for a long time.
4. If you have recently put on extra pounds, are pregnant, or are diagnosed with obesity, your heel pain may be due to being overweight.

Inflammatory diseases

plantar fasciitis

If pain sensations appear mainly in the morning, after sleep (pain can occur both on both at once, and, for example, only on the right leg), and increase when walking, it is likely that this is plantar fasciitis (it is also called plantar fasciitis). ).

This disease is an inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel to the bones of the midfoot. The fascia of the sole is a connecting strip that performs the function of supporting the arch of the foot, as well as its shock absorber.

The cause of fasciitis, as a rule, is microtrauma - microruptures of the fascia, which may or may not be accompanied by inflammation. Most often, injury occurs in places where the fascia is attached to the calcaneus.

During the night, during sleep, the injured fasciae regenerate a little, grow together and shorten. In the morning, after the first steps, micro-ruptures are repeated again, and this causes new torments. It is plantar fasciitis that causes severe morning pain in the heel region, which often becomes quieter as the day progresses.

Heel spur

Sometimes plantar disease is accompanied by a heel spur, which is a small bony growth that forms behind or under the heel.

If an injury leads to inflammation of the Achilles tendon (it is located above the heel) or the place where the fascia attaches to the calcaneus (under the heel), the growth of new tissue cells is stimulated, which subsequently dies off and gradually accumulates.

These accumulations turn into a spur. Painful sensations in the presence of a heel spur can have a fairly wide range: from the strongest, in which it is even painful to step on the heel, to absolutely imperceptible, asymptomatic.

Such growths can appear on both feet at once, but more often the spur is localized only on one of them - for example, on the left leg (or only on the right one).

Purulent bursitis

This is a purulent inflammation of the synovial bag of the joint. The development of bursitis is often preceded by mechanical trauma. During the disease, an inflammatory process develops: the heel turns red, swells and hurts a lot. If you touch it, you can feel the warmth.

Over time, the swelling of the heel increases, and if the disease is not treated, the edematous area can become dense.

Tendinitis (inflammation) of the Achilles tendon

An excessive load on the legs, the desire to wear shoes with too high heels with changing shoes into slippers in the evenings, a love of long runs - all of the above can provoke Achilles tendonitis. In this case, it hurts at the bottom of the ankle, near the heel. There is also reddening of the skin, swelling, locally elevated temperature. It becomes hard to stand on your toes and jump.

Malignant tumors

At the beginning of the disease, there is a slight pain in the heel area. Further, with the development of the disease, pain in this place increases, a soft or dense swelling is formed (depending on the type of tumor). Above the swelling, a network of enlarged blood vessels is sometimes observed.

Heel tumors grow most rapidly in childhood, in adults they increase more slowly. However, in both cases, such symptoms are the most urgent reason for a visit to the doctor!

Injuries

Tendon strain or tear

Such an injury can occur both as a result of a direct blow to the leg, and as a result of a sudden spasm of the calf muscles. First, there is a sharp pain in the back of the lower leg, then the heel swells.

The feet bend and unbend with difficulty, and if a rupture occurs, then plantar flexion-extension becomes impossible. Also, when the tendon is ruptured, the ability to walk is often lost.

Injury

Occurs with a sharp strong blow to the heels, for example, if a person jumped from a height and landed unsuccessfully. The impact causes burning pain and leads to further inflammation.

fracture

With a broken heel, it is very painful to step on the foot, it is almost impossible. The foot changes its shape and appearance, because the heel shifts to the right or to the left, as if folded to one side, the foot itself swells, hematomas and blood are visible on the sole.

The foot becomes inactive or immobile, its flexion-extension is disturbed.

Sever's disease or calcaneal apophysitis

This is a violation of the growth of bone tissue in the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon is attached to it.

The calcaneus does not ossify immediately from infancy, this process lasts for several years, so it is in childhood that it is more likely to get Sever's disease. Most of all, this disease affects children aged 9-14 who play sports.

Walking, running, jumping - additionally increase the pain in this disease. There is a feeling that the heel is burning, there is swelling around it.

Systemic diseases

Bechterew's disease

Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the spine and joints. The main consequence of this disease is the ossification of the spine, which becomes inflexible and immobile. Sometimes the heels begin to hurt first, as a result of which it becomes very unpleasant for a person to stand on hard surfaces.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This severe disease affects the joints, causing them to ache, swell and lose mobility. Among others, the joints of the foot also suffer.

At first, the most pronounced soreness is manifested in movement, but later, over time, the pain is felt even in sleep, and it is so strong that it can wake up. Also, rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by painful fatigue, lack of appetite, increased fatigue.

Gout

Joint disease caused by the deposition of uric acid salts. Attacks of the disease usually occur at night, in a dream, when a person wakes up, feeling a sharp pain. The affected joint swells and changes color to red-brown. If you lightly touch it at this moment, it will be very painful and hot.

The joints of the foot are also prone to gout, so people suffering from gout often experience pain in the heels.

Infectious diseases

Reactive arthritis

This disease overtakes a person as a consequence of any infection that has been previously transferred, for example, an infection of the genitourinary system or the gastrointestinal tract. This subtype of arthritis is not an infectious disease of the joints, it is a consequence of the infection of other organs of the body.

Painful sensations in the heels with reactive arthritis appear constantly. They can be most acutely felt at night, in a dream. The course of the disease is characterized by joint pain, conjunctivitis and pain in the lower abdomen.

Tuberculosis (bone)

In the course of the disease, the bone substance, as it were, melts, and certain areas of the skin become dead. Then the lesion captures the further surface of the body. With bone tuberculosis, a purulent fistula or an open cavity is formed, but after a few weeks the disease may stop, entering remission.

Osteomyelitis

The disease is caused by bacteria that provoke the development of a purulent-necrotic process both in the bone itself and in the soft tissues of the heel. The affected heel almost instantly starts to hurt, the body temperature rises to 39-40 degrees.

Painful sensations are such as if the heel is bursting, burning, drilling from the inside, it is simply impossible to walk. These sensations are difficult to confuse with others. The heel swells, the skin on it turns very red, the veins on the legs expand.

Let's see a doctor!

What to do if your heels hurt? If the pain is acute, burning, the skin in the heel region turns red, edema appears, either local or general temperature rises, the heel swells, shifts to the right or left side of the foot, bruising is observed, skin necrosis occurs, it is difficult to stand on toes, the feet do not bend - a visit to the doctor is inevitable!

And the sooner you do this and start treating the disease that caused this unpleasant symptom, the better!

Which doctor can help? For an initial examination, sign up with a therapist or surgeon. Further, depending on the accompanying symptoms, the doctor may redirect you for treatment to another specialist. They can become: orthopedist, traumatologist, oncologist, phthisiatrician, neurologist.

If the cause of the pain is a bruise, apply cold to the heel area - ice or a special cold pack. You need to keep it for 15 minutes every hour 3-4 times. Then you can rub an anti-inflammatory ointment into the bruised heel, and if the bruise was severe, it is highly advisable to make an appointment with a doctor (therapist or surgeon).

Prevention of heel pain

What to do so that pain in the heels after treatment does not reappear?

As a preventive measure, it is enough to follow simple rules:

1. Fight excess weight, because it increases the pressure on the heels.
2. If you have flat feet - after consulting a doctor, choose orthopedic insoles.
3. Wear comfortable shoes made of natural materials with a heel no higher than 5 centimeters. Shoes with no difference in instep height are not recommended.
4. Regularly massage your legs (on your own or visit a massage therapist).
5. Maintain a sufficient level of physical activity during the day (swimming pool, physical education, walking in the fresh air).

Video: common causes of heel pain and exercises to treat fasciitis and heel spurs

The calcaneus is subjected to stress every day when standing, walking, running, and doing hard work. This is the largest bone of the foot, which, due to its shape, strength and fatty tissue located on it, acts as a shock absorber. However, under significant loads, it is vulnerable to injury, which, as a rule, leads to pain in the heel.

We list the main possible reasons due to which pain often occurs in this part of the foot. These are injuries; proliferation of heel bone tissue; excess weight; thinning of adipose tissue on the heel; overstrain of the calcaneus (long stay in a "standing" position or walking in high heels); some systemic diseases; inflammatory processes in the joints and soft tissues of the foot; penetration of infection into the joints.

The most common cause of intense heel pain is bone growth in the sole. This disease is called plantar fasciitis, or in the common people - heel spurs. As a rule, flat feet, overweight, diseases of the joints and spine lead to it.

For pain in the heel, depending on the diagnosis, they prescribe: massages, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, compresses, nutritional supplements and drugs that restore bones. Along with therapeutic treatment, folk remedies can also be used. Consider the most effective recipes that will help relieve heel pain at home.

Foot baths

1. Contrasting foot baths will help relieve pain in the soles. To do this, take two bowls, fill them with hot and cold water, respectively. Chamomile decoction can be added to hot water. Alternate the stay of the feet in the water. Repeat up to 16 times for 30 seconds. Then the soles are greased and massaged.
2. This recipe will help relieve pain and improve blood circulation. 300 g of salt are dissolved in one liter of hot water. The solution is poured into a basin and legs are lowered into it for 20 minutes. The course of treatment for inflammation of the heel tissue or spur takes about two weeks.

Mix lemon juice with water and freeze. The sore sole is massaged with ready-made ice until the skin is slightly numb (8-10 minutes).

Compresses

1. This remedy will help get rid of pain and heel spurs. A spoonful of powdered school chalk is mixed with the same amount of garlic mass. The soles are steamed in hot water and the mixture is applied to the heel. Fix the compress with a bandage.
2. With heel spurs and severe pain, such a compress is made before going to bed. Black radish is rubbed on a fine grater along with the peel. The gruel is spread on gauze and applied to a sore spot. Next, the sole is covered with plastic wrap and fixed. They put on socks. Wash off the mixture in the morning.

3. Quickly helps a compress of grated horseradish root.

4. In the people, pain in the heel has long been treated like this. Chopped onion (200 g). The pulp was tied to the problem area in the form of a compress for the whole night. The procedures were carried out until complete recovery. (Usually enough: 5-7 times).

5. Boil potatoes in uniforms, knead and add 2-3 drops of lugol. The mass is spread on a plastic film and bandaged to a sore leg. Warm the compress (or put on a woolen sock). Leave it until the morning. The procedures are carried out until the pain in the heel stops.

6. There is also a folk remedy with potatoes, which will relieve inflammation in the calcaneus and relieve spurs. Just like in the previous recipe, potatoes are boiled in their skins. Knead together with the peel and pour in a little pure kerosene. The mass is laid out on gauze and tied to the heel. Cellophane is applied on top. After 7-10 procedures, you can forget about the spur and discomfort.

7. A few pods of hot pepper are crushed into a mushy mass, a little honey is added and tied to the heel in the form of a compress. Keep the bandage no more than 6 hours. Then the mixture is washed off, and the sole is liberally lubricated with a greasy cream or oil.
8. Get rid of heel spurs with this recipe. A crust of rye bread is smeared with birch tar and applied to a sore spot. Tie the sole with a bandage and cellophane film. Leave until the morning. The procedure is carried out within 5 days. (You can in a day).

9. As in the previous recipe, tar is used. The onion is crushed and mixed with a small amount of this birch product. A mixture is applied to the sore spot, the sole is wrapped with cellophane film and insulated. Keep the compress for at least 5-6 hours. Procedures are carried out daily for 5 days.

10. Such a folk remedy will help relieve inflammation. Mix: one teaspoon of fine salt, one tablespoon of honey and a pharmacy vial of an alcohol 5% iodine solution (50 ml). the mixture is applied to gauze or a napkin and applied to the heel. They tie the leg with plastic wrap or put on bags and bandage it. Warm socks are worn over the top.

11. Animal bile showed good results in the treatment of heel pain. It can be applied to the sole in its pure form, but it is better to prepare the product as follows: mix 30 g of bile, 1 tablespoon of medical alcohol and 1 tablespoon (tablespoon) of laundry soap crushed into shavings. The prepared mass is applied in the form of a compress on the soles previously steamed in hot water.

Knotweed heel treatment

It will relieve pain, inflammation and normalize blood circulation in the tissues with a heel spur, a compress from fresh crushed leaves of toptun (knotweed). The grass of the plant can be placed in shoes and walked with it all day. In the morning it should be replaced with a new one.

Tincture for internal use

The pain will help to remove the tincture of Potentilla (cinquefoil). The stems of the plant are finely chopped, filled with half a liter jar and poured with high-quality vodka. Close the container and place in a dark and fairly warm place for three weeks. The remedy is drunk one tablespoon three times a day, after diluting it with a small amount of water. Also, this tincture is applied or rubbed into the sore heel joint.

Effective folk remedies

1. The old method will help. Take half a glass of strong homemade moonshine. They set it on fire. Substitute the heel over the flame and warm it well. After that, the sole is lubricated with rosehip oil and massaged. You can also, after warming up, roll a dried ear of corn with your feet or walk on small pebbles.
2. An effective and proven folk remedy for heel spurs and pain. Take 80 ml of vinegar essence and put a whole fresh egg into it. Send the composition for 25 days in a cool dark place. The shell will completely dissolve during this time. Add 80 milliliters of vegetable oil to the mixture and mix well. The legs are steamed in hot water and the mass is applied in a thin layer on the sore heel. After that, wrap the sole with plastic wrap. Remove the bandage in the morning or if there is a strong burning sensation. After 4-5 procedures, the discomfort will completely and permanently disappear.

It should be remembered that heel pain can sometimes occur due to serious problems in the body. Therefore, if after a sufficiently long use of folk recipes, the pain has not decreased, it is necessary to visit a traumatologist or rheumatologist.

Pain in the heel can appear as a result of various reasons. It can be both a disease of the joints and bones, and the development of problems with the skin. Often, specialists have to deal with complaints from patients that the heel hurts a lot and it hurts to step on. How to treat the disease in this case with folk remedies, and what are the ways to fix the problem? To overcome the disease, you should first find out the cause of the pain, and then eliminate its consequences.

Main causes of heel pain

The main factors of the pain symptom during walking are diseases of the joints and the presence of a heel spur. In rare cases, there are consequences after injuries, the presence of a fungus, cracked heels. The formed corns often lead to the occurrence of this syndrome and discomfort when moving, but such signs can be quickly eliminated. You only need to change shoes and undergo a treatment course.

Pain in the heel

In the presence of a heel spur, bone tissue grows in the area of ​​the surface of the sole of the heel bones. Spurs are able to squeeze the soft tissue of the foot, causing pain in the heel area when moving.

Factors that cause spurs are related to:

Wearing tight shoes

Articular diseases (with arthritis or arthrosis)

In addition, the heel can hurt due to the development of an ailment of the calcaneus, the ligaments surrounding it, and fascia. So, why and why does plantar fasciitis occur? Soreness with an illness occurs in the morning, getting out of bed. The whole foot starts to hurt. To eliminate discomfort, you have to walk on tiptoe. This disease is associated with stretching and inflammation of the fascia.

Fasciitis can occur after:

• Wearing high heels
• Being overweight
• Diabetes
• flat feet

Athletes also face these diseases during heavy loads in training, after a long run. Due to the presence of chronic diseases of the bones and joints, the patient often complains that it is very difficult to stand on the heel when moving.

Often the cause of pain in the heel with arthrosis, arthritis, in addition to the destruction of the joint, can be the deposition of uric acid salts, which are difficult to treat. The presence of rheumatoid arthritis is the cause of the disorder of the group of joints, because heel pain is combined with other signs.

In addition to systemic pathologies of cracks, heel pain can occur due to:

• Heel fracture
• bruised bone
• Stretching
• Tendon injuries
• Calcaneal apophysitis
• Bursitis
• tendonitis

If the heel hurts a lot during diseases and it hurts to attack, you can use folk remedies, but only after consulting a doctor and his approval for such therapy.

At the stage of development of the disease, in order to get rid of pain in the heel, they initially resort to alternative methods of treatment.

Thanks to the treatment of folk remedies of the heel, the following result can be achieved:

• Stop bone growth
• Eliminate inflammation
• Relieve heel pain

Treating heel pain while walking at home

Bath use. Contrasting baths, with alternating cold and heat, will help to cure the heels. 2 basins are filled with water and legs are dipped in turn. You can pour a decoction of chamomile into a basin of hot water. Do the procedure up to 30 repetitions, for half a minute. After the procedure, the soles of the feet should be smeared with cream and lightly massaged.

Trays

To increase blood flow in the limbs and heel spurs, for pain in the heels, use such a popular recipe for a bath. You need to take a liter of hot water and pour 300 grams of salt into it. Pour the prepared solution into the basin. Heel treatment time is 2 weeks. On the 5th day the patient will feel relief. It is forbidden to interrupt the course of therapy.

If the strongest pain during the onset is caused by a heel spur, then you can use the swamp cinquefoil as an alternative treatment. This plant is quite popular and common, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. This procedure relieves pain, helps to normalize the immune system and speed up the process of removing salts from the body. To make a folk medicine you need 1 tbsp. Dissolve infusion of cinquefoil in 1/3 cup of water. Apply orally 3 times a day before meals. Treatment takes 20 days. Then there is a break.

When the patient’s walking is difficult or it hurts to press on the joint, the doctor may recommend taking apple cider vinegar, garlic infused with vodka, and a decoction of birch leaves as a folk remedy.

An infusion of dried lilac flowers will help to quickly relieve heel pain. It is necessary for 10 days to insist the plant on vodka in a ratio of 1:10. Then strain and drink a teaspoon per 50 ml of water up to 3 times a day. Also, rubbing the heels at night should be carried out in parallel.

The elimination of folk methods of heel pain also includes the use of fresh knotweed grass. She puts on shoes. She needs to walk all day. In the morning, the plant is replaced by a new one.

Apple cider vinegar and garlic

If the heel hurts, folk herbal tea from lingonberry leaves will help get rid of the problem. A tablespoon of crushed raw materials is taken and steamed with boiling water for 20 minutes.

It is important to understand that when such symptoms appear, alternative treatment tips may be different. You should choose a more suitable method and try to eliminate the problem of heel discomfort.

If the heels still hurt and folk remedies did not help in the treatment, you need the help of a specialist to carry out drug therapy.

As a folk treatment, you can use recipes for making ointment at home.

An effective remedy for relieving heel pain is a mixture of liquid honey and mummy. 5 grams of resin should be dissolved in 2 tbsp. honey. The ointment is applied to the heels every evening until the pain disappears completely.
You can prepare an ointment, the basis will be wild rosemary with lanolin. A folk remedy will relieve heel pain and make them healthy. It is necessary to wash the collected grass and grind it in a meat grinder. Squeeze out the juice. Next, mix until smooth 20 ml of juice with 40 gr. lanolin. Enrich medicine 40 gr. vaseline, mixing all the ingredients well. Treatment with ointment should be carried out after steaming the legs, lightly rubbing until completely absorbed.

The use and manufacture of ointments

You can also buy drugs at the pharmacy. Preparations are produced on the basis of natural ingredients that can eliminate inflammation and dissolve salts.

Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal ointment is easily applied to the affected area, it quickly eliminates inflammation and pain symptoms. The drug has a minimal list of side effects, because it is not absorbed into the blood. Used for muscle pain and joint pathologies. The affected area should be smeared 3 times a day.

Ointments based on phenylbutazone are used for arthritis, gout, bursitis and piroxicam after surgery, with a closed heel fracture, and spur healing.

It is important to understand that medicines are prescribed by a doctor. Self-administration can cause adverse effects.

Compresses for heel pain

There are a sufficient number of compress recipes that will help stop the inflammation process, relieve heel pain, and alleviate the condition.

Application of compresses

Popular folk compresses include:

• The use of garlic - the product is crushed into gruel. Then you need to put the mixture on the damaged heel and insulate. In order not to burn strongly, the area is treated with oil.
• A proven folk medicine is tar, which is distributed over bread and applied to the heel. Secure with a cloth folded in half. To treat a sore spot, leave the remedy for 7 hours.

It is recommended to use compresses, as well as other folk remedies, after the approval of the doctor.

Baths for fractures play an important role in recovery. One of the folk remedies is salt. To make a bath, pour salt into a basin of warm water. The pores on the skin expand and the salt will penetrate inside. Then the substance enters through the bloodstream to the affected area.

Prevention

In case of injury, prevention of the heel consists in the removal of sports activities - walking and running.

Bicycle and swimming pool as an alternative

It is better to ride a bike and go to the pool. It is important to regulate your weight by reducing excess body weight.

• Get orthopedic insoles for flat feet. They will help to hold the muscles and ligaments of the foot, protecting the heel.
• It is recommended to wear shoes with low heels. This will relieve the heel and not overstrain the foot.
• In order not to encounter pathologies of the legs, you should do therapeutic exercises.

If you constantly feel discomfort in the heel area, this is a serious reason to think about your health, because such a symptom often signals the presence of any diseases. In order to restore good health, it is important not only to eliminate painful sensations, but also to find out the cause of their occurrence.

Causes of heel pain

The feeling of discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors:

1. Sports. Heel pain sometimes occurs after jogging or other strenuous exercise.
2. Injuries. Bruises, sprains, fractures, or any other type of injury can lead to severe pain. In this case, you should immediately contact a traumatologist. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better not to step on a sore leg.
3. Inappropriate shoes. If you used to walk only in heels, and then began to wear flat shoes, this can adversely affect the health of your feet.
4. Excess weight. Due to excess body weight, the load on the feet increases, as a result of which a person experiences severe pain in the process of walking.
5. Arthritis. Inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone and fingers can lead to discomfort that will gradually increase. Especially intense in this disease, the pain manifests itself in the morning.
6. Fasciitis of the sole. Tight uncomfortable shoes or daily long standing on your feet can provoke pathology. As a result, a build-up forms on them, putting pressure on the tissues and causing a feeling of discomfort, which is most strongly felt after sleep.
7. Heel spur. If fasciitis is not cured in time, a bone formation may appear on the surface of the heel, which will lead to severe pain, which will especially often occur in the morning.
8. Inflammation or rupture of the Achilles tendon. Injury can occur as a result of intense physical exertion, or, for example, during an unsuccessful jump.
9. Infections. Inflammation of the tendon can be caused by infectious diseases such as chlamydia. The disease is accompanied by constant pain, which becomes even stronger in the evening.
10. Malignant tumors. If there are neoplasms on the feet, compression of blood vessels and nerve endings occurs, which in turn causes chronic pain.
11. Cracks on the heels resulting from dermatitis, mycosis or some other disease.

folk remedies for getting rid of cracked heels

How to get rid of heel pain

In order to eliminate discomfort, you first need to determine the cause of their occurrence by contacting a rheumatologist, traumatologist or dermatologist. Treatment can be carried out in various ways, it is prescribed only after a complete diagnostic examination, including a blood test, radiography and ultrasound.

If there are cracks on the heels, it is necessary to make an appointment with a dermatologist, if it turns out that they are affected by a fungus, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment. This problem can also be caused by increased dryness of the skin. To get rid of cracks, it is recommended to lubricate the legs with cream daily and remove keratinized areas with pedicure tools.

If uncomfortable shoes have become the cause of discomfort, it is recommended to purchase products with a comfortable shoe that does not give a large load on the heel. Take your shoes off from time to time to let your feet rest.

For the treatment of heel spurs, complex measures must be taken:

• getting rid of excess body weight;
• physiotherapy (mineral baths, ultrasound treatment, mud applications);
• use of orthopedic insoles;
• reducing the load on the foot;
• drug treatment;
• surgical removal of the bone growth (in especially serious cases).

In the presence of inflammatory processes caused by infectious diseases or diseases of the joints, drugs are used that are prescribed to the patient by a doctor.

Plantar fasciitis can be relieved by reducing physical activity, such as avoiding sports such as walking or running. In addition, every morning it is recommended to do special exercises:

• Place a rolling pin under your feet, take a sitting position and roll it with a step for several minutes. In order to achieve the desired effect, repeat the procedure several times daily.

The cause of discomfort is often associated with low mobility of the calf muscles. You can get rid of an unpleasant symptom with the help of the following exercise:

• Stand near the wall, put your palms on it, straighten your right leg, and step forward with your left. Then lean against the wall, remaining in this position for half a minute. After that, repeat all the steps, changing legs.

How to get rid of heel pain fast

The following methods will help alleviate the condition:

1. If there are no medical contraindications, take ice, apply it to your feet, and then rub them. This procedure is recommended to be performed once a day, for twenty minutes.
2. You can get rid of pain by steaming your legs in a basin of warm water.
3. Painkillers containing ibuprofen have a quick effect. However, before you start taking them, you should consult with your doctor.
4. Pain in the heel area is well relieved by anti-inflammatory ointments (butadiene, indomethacin).

Treating heel pain at home

You can get rid of the problem using proven folk remedies:

1. Grate raw potatoes, attach it to the leg and wrap it on top with polyethylene. This recipe allows you to quickly relieve pain.
2. Plantain helps to get rid of heel spurs. Apply the sheet to the sore spot, and as soon as it dries, replace it with a new one. After this procedure, severe pain may appear, but in the future, you can forget about the existence of bone growths.
3. A black radish is well suited for treatment, you need to rub it finely, attach it to the heel and wrap the leg with polyethylene. In the morning, the puree should be washed off with warm water.
4. If there is a “Triple Cologne” at home, you can heat it in some kind of enameled container, and then steam your legs in it.
5. Garlic has an excellent healing effect, mash it and apply it to the heel for four hours. By doing such compresses daily, you will soon be able to get rid of the feeling of discomfort.
6. Crush two aspirin tablets, mix them with a spoonful of 3% iodine, apply the composition to cotton wool, and then attach it to the sore spot, wrap it with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Repeat this procedure at least three times a day.

Using folk recipes, you can independently get rid of pain at home, however, before proceeding with treatment, you must first consult with a specialist.

how to get rid of heel spurs at home

How to avoid heel pain

1. Excess weight often causes increased stress on the feet, so you need to maintain it in the normal range by monitoring your diet. Particular preference is recommended to give protein and plant foods, as pain in the heel area is often provoked by inflammatory processes resulting from metabolic disorders.
2. You can avoid overstressing your feet by buying comfortable shoes with low heels, which will evenly distribute the load.
3. Orthopedic insoles help to protect the heel, thanks to which the foot ligaments and muscles are supported.
4. For preventive purposes, you can perform daily special exercises that prevent leg diseases.

In order to solve the problem, it is necessary to apply comprehensive measures. Treatment may take several months, however, taking care of your health and following all the recommendations of doctors, you will eventually be able to completely get rid of the sensations that bother you.

Video: why does heel pain appear, and is it always a heel spur

Heel pain- one of the common problems that most often worries pregnant women, elderly people, athletes, schoolchildren. Sometimes you can easily cope with such pain, for this they make baths, compresses, lubricate with ointments. True, if the malaise is provoked by some serious illness, you can get rid of discomfort only after a full examination and establishment of the root cause.

In young years, when, as usual, the legs do not bother, this is taken for granted, and they do not pay much attention to them. But as soon as some problem with the legs is discovered, we immediately begin to realize how much our life and our mood can depend on it. Extremely unpleasant heel pain, which at the same time are so painful, can practically unsettle for a long time. After all, even a short walk becomes a real test of endurance.

• Causes
• Types of pain
• Treatment:
• Medical preparations
• Folk remedies
• Compresses
• Trays
• Prevention

Main causes of heel pain

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of pain syndrome. And not necessarily its source can be a severe and intractable disease. Among the reasons due to which unpleasant pain in the heels occurs, there may be external negative factors or various diseases.

The most famous reasons:

• A sharp transition from high heels to a completely flat sole that is not shock absorbing at all - this can provoke sharp pains in the foot and heels.
• Often, a factor that provokes pain in the legs, especially for women, can be wearing uncomfortable shoes with high heels - "stilettos". The load on the foot is distributed unevenly. Part of the foot is "overloaded" - the toe and heel are constantly in tension, and part is inactive. As a result of this, intense pain sensations of a shooting nature appear in the heel.
• Heavy loads during sports training - if pain occurs after jogging, then you need to temporarily switch to another type of muscle load.
• Heel injuries or bruises can be one of the causes of burning pain. The inflammatory process may appear optionally if the heel is damaged. Pain usually occurs when the ankle ligaments are damaged. When moving, there may be a feeling as if a needle is digging into the leg, which, with each step, pierces deeper and deeper into the body. In this case, you should try not to step on the injured leg and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
• In the second half of pregnancy, a woman's body weight increases from 6 to 18 kg. As a result, due to weight gain and poor blood circulation, pain can occur, which is usually felt when walking and in the evening. Skinny girls are more likely to gain weight.
• Obesity and hormonal changes can cause dramatic weight gain.
• Heel spurs - inflammation of the ligaments and peculiar bone growths on the plantar surface in the area of ​​​​the calcaneus. The main symptom of a heel spur is acute pain, which is felt especially when walking, in the morning, as soon as a person gets out of bed, on palpation, deformation and swelling of the soft tissues are visually observed. You can determine the presence of a heel spur by ultrasound, or by taking an x-ray of the foot.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare chronic disease that entails the aggression of the immune system in relation to the joints of the spine and soft cartilage tissue. Inflammation in the joints and bones.
• Gout is characterized by inflammation of the articular tissues. The disease occurs due to metabolic disorders and causes the accumulation of uric acid salts in the joints. Often the disease leads to excessive consumption of salty and acidic foods. Prolonged unpleasant paroxysmal pain, passing over time.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint disease that usually affects the lower extremities. The pain is felt when walking, and in the case of neglect of the disease - and at rest.
• Intestinal infection and pathogens in the genitourinary system - these diseases often cause reactive arthritis, which progresses quite quickly. Infection from the genitals is displaced below.
• A malignant tumor quite often develops in the heel area. Initially, a small tubercle is formed, around which many dilated blood vessels appear. Neoplasm increases and hardens over time.
• Tibial nerve palsy, paralyzing the muscles makes it difficult to bend the foot and toes.
• Tuberculosis of the bones - the disease is caused by the death of part of the skin. Subsequently, the bone tissue is affected by the disease, and the cartilaginous tissue seems to melt.
• Cracks in the heels when walking cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. Deep cracks formed in the layer of rough skin during inflammation cause acute pain and bleed, causing severe discomfort and making any walk painful and unbearable.
• Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation that develops in the fascia - a tough connective tissue sheath that is located in a wide strip along the surface of the sole of the foot. A common pain symptom in the heel is usually due to inflammation of the fascia where it attaches to the heel tubercle. In case of delayed treatment of fasciitis, calcium salts can be deposited at the site of chronic inflammation, leading to the formation of a heel spur.
• Reactive arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, which can develop after certain infections, most often after infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, intestinal infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Some pathogens that enter the body can cause pain in the feet and heels. In most cases, these are sexually transmitted infectious diseases. Hidden microorganisms serve as a source of reactive acute inflammation in the heel tendon. With this disease, pain in the heel area is felt constantly, and is especially strongly felt at night.
• Damage to the Achilles tendon and its inflammation is a common cause of severe pain above the heel. Such an injury usually occurs in professional athletes, however, it can also occur in ordinary people in the event of strong physical exertion, an unsuccessful jump.

These diseases cannot be cured on their own, so you need to contact different specialists:

• rheumatologist;
• traumatologist;
• surgeon
• phthisiatrician;
• oncologist;
• neuropathologist;
• orthopedist,

so that the doctor, during a medical examination and by the nature of the pain, finds out the cause of the disease. This makes it easier to diagnose the disease and helps the doctor prescribe effective treatment to get rid of pain.

Types of heel pain

Pain in the heel is divided into the following varieties:
1. Aching pains. In most cases, they occur due to a rapid increase in body weight. It occurs in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Very often, aching pain is caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels. Often the cause of such pain is fasciitis - a chronic inflammation of the ligamentous tissues that hold the bones in a certain position. Usually this disease is experienced by people who are forced to be on their feet and stand in one position for a long time - hairdressers, sellers and surgeons.

2. Sharp stitching pain. Such pain is experienced by people suffering from gout, suffering from reactive arthritis, with fractures. With fractures, the heel is deformed and can be beveled to the right or left.

3. Heel pain when walking. If nothing bothers you at rest, and when you move there are sharp pains, then it is most likely an inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
4. Heel pain in the morning. If it hurts to stand up after waking up, then it is most likely a heel spur. The pain may subside after a short walk. Sometimes a heel spur can be disturbing at night and cause sleepless nights.
5. Heel pain during pregnancy. As usual, by nature they are aching, moreover, they can occur at the end of the day. It is enough to walk for one hour, and there are pains with loads on the heels. After childbirth and weight loss, the pain disappears.
6. Painful sensations at rest. As a rule, unpleasant sensations appear at the end of the working day and constant stay on their feet. Legs begin to hurt very much in the evening. If work activity is not associated with constant standing, then pain at rest can be triggered by infectious diseases of the genital organs or infectious diseases of the intestine. Usually can occur after an exacerbation of chronic diseases.
7. Postpartum heel pain. If during pregnancy there was no pain, and after the resolution of childbirth, unpleasant pain began to appear in the heels, then most likely it could be damage to the lumbar nerve in the spine. Sometimes the wrong course of childbirth can be the cause of lameness in a woman in labor. This usually happens with women who have a very narrow pelvis or when a large baby is born.
8. Throbbing pains. With the appearance of throbbing pain and swelling in the heel area, one can judge the presence of a bacterial infection, which often occurs against the background of fasciitis or fungus.
9. Syndrome of burning pain in the heels, which develops in various forms of polyneuropathy. It is characterized by pulling pains in the muscles, burning sensations, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling or "crawling" in the lower extremities while walking, sometimes in the upper body - the shoulder and pelvic girdle. At rest, these symptoms are markedly reduced.

Heel pain treatments

If heel pain occurs, the most correct decision is not to put it off for later and not to try to be treated on your own, but to urgently consult a doctor for qualified advice to determine the cause of the disease and prevent the occurrence of various complications of this condition.
There are many medications, pharmaceutical ointments, and time-tested folk treatments that are used to relieve pain in the heel. It is important only in accordance with the doctor's recommendations to choose the most effective and correct means, and to start complex treatment in a timely manner.

Medications for the treatment of heel pain

Appropriate medications are prescribed by a doctor, and if someone has been relieved of pain in the heels, this does not mean that it should be purchased by everyone who suffers from such an ailment. This is especially true for tablets. Gels, solutions and ointments should also be handled with care.

Characteristics of medicines:

• Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieves pain, however, they cannot be used for a long time due to the great number of side effects. Such drugs are produced in the form of a gel, they can quickly anesthetize, however, there is no therapeutic effect from such a drug, it cannot eliminate the cause of pain, and it is often prescribed by orthopedists to relieve pain. Preparations of such pharmacology, produced in ampoules, are intended for intramuscular injections and are used to treat chronic arthritis in the acute stage and with fasciitis.
• Anti-inflammatory analgesic antipyretic drugs. Produced in ampoules for injection, as well as in the form of ointments, suppositories and tablets. It is most effective to use rectal suppositories, because they are quickly absorbed by the intestines and they have a minimum number of contraindications. The medicine does not eliminate the very cause of pain, but only blocks pain, reducing pain, relieves inflammation, fever. Used to treat symptomatic heel pain caused by arthritis, fasciitis, and heel spurs.
• Anti-inflammatory anesthetics and antimicrobials of local action. Produced as a liquid in vials. It is used mainly in the form of a warming aqueous solution, which, through heat, reduces pain symptoms, and the medicine also relieves inflammation and swelling.

Folk remedies for the treatment of heel pain

As a rule, they do not immediately turn to a qualified specialist for treatment, but use the recommendations of traditional healers and try to get rid of pain using traditional methods. In alternative medicine, there are many simple and fairly effective recipes for relieving pain in the heels and reducing inflammation. Most often, compresses, ointments, baths using medicinal herbs are used.

Folk remedies:

• Pain in the heels can be removed with contrast baths, alternating heat and cold. This is done with the help of two basins of the same volume with cold and hot water, alternately dipping the feet first in cold and then in warm water. Instead of plain water, you can also use a decoction of chamomile. After this procedure, you can do a heel massage.
• Using an "ice cushion" with lemon juice. A small plastic bag filled with diluted lemon juice ice cubes, wrapped in a towel, is applied to the sore heels. The duration of the procedure is up to fifteen minutes. Such a “pillow” is used after heavy loads on the foot and sports training.
• You can localize heel pain caused by a spur with the help of marsh cinquefoil, a common and popular plant that has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this plant, immunity is normalized and the process of removing salts from the body is accelerated. To prepare the medicine: one tbsp. l. tinctures of marsh cinquefoil dilute 1/3 tbsp. water, drink orally 3 times a day before eating. The duration of the course is 20 days, then take a break for 10 days. If necessary, the course can be repeated.
• Walnut tincture, which is taken orally, helps relieve pain in the heel. The tool is prepared from 20 gr. chopped walnuts, pour 200 ml of vodka and insist for 10 days. The medicine is taken in a tablespoon 3 times a day before eating. Treatment with such a folk remedy effectively relieves heel pain.
• Good help to soothe pain in the heels, especially in the treatment of arthritis and heel spurs, compresses with black radish. To do this, grate the washed root crop along with the skin on a fine grater. After the gruel is laid out on gauze and applied to the sore heel, then fix the compress with a plastic bag and over it with an elastic bandage. The procedure can be done every day and left overnight. Rinse your feet in the morning with warm water. Treatment is carried out until complete healing.
• A tincture of dried lilac flowers also helps to get rid of pain in the heels. The plant must be insisted on vodka for ten days in a ratio of 1/10. Then strain and drink a teaspoon per 50 ml of boiled water 2-3 times a day. In parallel, you need to perform and rubbing the sore spot at night.
• For pain in the heels, they also use fresh herb Knotweed (knotweed), putting it in shoes, and walking with it throughout the day. In the morning, the grass is changed to fresh.

The use of ointments for heel pain

In traditional medicine, ointments prepared on the basis of:

• anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. They are easy to apply to the affected area, they quickly relieve inflammation and pain. Among other things, they have minimal side effects, because they are practically not absorbed into the blood. It is used for pain in the muscles and diseases of the joints, the diseased area must be lubricated three times during the day with ointment and lie down for a while until completely absorbed.
• Ointments based on anti-inflammatory substances are often used after joint surgery, relieve pain after injuries.
• Preparations based on phenylbutazone are effectively used for arthritis, gout, bursitis, and heel spurs. Medicines are applied to the skin with a thin film up to three times a day.
• The drug based on piroxicam anesthetizes, quickly absorbed into the skin. An ointment is used after surgery, with closed heel fractures, as well as in the treatment of heel spurs, the medicine is applied three times a day.

Compresses for heel pain

With heel pains, compresses are often used, using ready-made pharmacy solutions or prepared on their own for this. As a rule, hot peppers, vodka, garlic, cinnamon, medical alcohol and other warming products are used.

Compress recipes:

• A popular recipe for grated onion and a spoonful of pharmacy birch tar can cure heel pain. Apply a homogeneous onion mass in a thick layer on the heel. Top with a cloth folded in three layers and fixed with a bandage, leave the application for five hours. Wash off with warm water. The procedure is carried out for five days in a row.
• Red hot pepper is used to create a warming effect. The pod of red pepper, along with the seeds, is crushed in a meat grinder. Add 30 ml of bee nectar to the gruel. All work must be done with gloves and protect your eyes. Put the mixture on the fabric and, fixing it with a bandage, leave it on the heel for at least 4, maximum 6 hours. After the compress, lubricate the skin with a fat cream. Hot pepper should not be used for wounds on the feet, the presence of cracks, watery calluses.
• To prepare a garlic-based compress: grate five cloves on a grater and mix the mass with crushed white school chalk. Apply the gruel on gauze and apply on the sore spot, leaving from three to five hours. The tool should not be used for open wounds and cracked heels.
• An effective remedy for heel pain is a mixture of a tablespoon of honey, 50 milliliters of iodine and a teaspoon of fine salt. Apply the mixture on gauze and put it on the affected area before going to bed, cover it with polyethylene on top and fix it well with bandages, the bandage should be left overnight. This amount of the mixture is enough for five procedures, for which you can just get rid of heel spurs if this disease is diagnosed. For preventive purposes, repeat the treatment after six months.

Potato compresses also help with heel pain:
1) Cooked potatoes in their skins are well kneaded, 10 ml of lugol are added and mixed thoroughly. Apply another hot mixture to the sore spot and, securing with a gauze bandage, leave the compress until it cools completely. This compress can be used every day for a week.
2) Pour 30 ml of purified kerosene into mashed potatoes boiled in uniform. Apply the mass to the sore spot and wrap it with cellophane. Put on socks on top and walk for three hours. The course of treatment is 8-12 procedures.
- To prepare a medicine from pharmacy bile, you need to mix 30 ml of the product and 20 ml of medical alcohol with a spoonful of laundry soap crushed on a grater. Put the mass on the sore spot and wrap it with a cloth. Hold the compress for three to five hours. After the compress, wash your feet with warm water and massage. The course of treatment - 10 procedures.
- Folk methods as an anesthetic also recommend a special cake, which is made from honey and oatmeal. A flat cake is applied to the steamed affected leg and wiped dry and fixed with a bandage. It is recommended to keep such a compress on the leg for as long as possible. The course of treatment is 10 procedures.

Treatment of heel pain with baths

Healing baths effectively help relieve discomfort in the foot, inflammation, pain. Usually, sea salt, herbal decoctions, as well as vegetables and fruits are used for baths.

Bath recipes:

• Pour a tablespoon of baking soda into a basin with 2.5 liters of warm water and pour 20 ml of iodine. Dip your feet in the liquid until the solution has cooled completely. It is not recommended to use the bath for fractures or bruises of the heel.
• Pour 20 g of dried nettle leaves with a liter of boiling water and cook for two minutes. Leave to cool completely and then reheat. Keep the heels in the strained broth until completely cooled. The procedure is carried out every day before going to bed.
• Grate the cabbage stalk, pour boiling water over it and boil for five minutes, then strain. Pour the broth into a basin and add a small amount of hot water. Immerse your feet in a basin with a solution and hold for at least 15 minutes. The procedure is carried out on the eve of sleep.

Prevention of heel problems

First of all, you need to refrain from walking or running, because these sports are not very protective of the legs, for the sake of cycling or swimming in the pool. It is important to bring the weight back to normal. After all, each additional kilogram harms not only the whole body, but also the heels, which need to withstand these extra pounds.

If there are even the slightest symptoms of flat feet, you need to buy special orthopedic insoles. They help keep the muscles and ligaments of the foot in good condition, while protecting the heel.

Give preference to comfortable shoes with low heels, up to five centimeters. A heel of this height allows you to slightly unload the heel and not overstrain the foot.

In order to prevent diseases of the legs, it is very useful to regularly engage in special therapeutic exercises.

Self-treatment for heel pain is not recommended. But if the causes of pain are not serious, they resort to folk methods, having agreed with the recommendations of the attending physician. Consider folk remedies for heel pain supported by doctors.

An effective method of treating heel pain is walking barefoot on grass, sand. Morning walking on wet grass with dew is useful for sick and healthy people. Therapeutic walking has a positive effect on the human nervous system, relaxing, improving well-being and mood. It is advisable to walk every morning for at least 1 hour.

Heel pain

Pain in the foot of the foot is treated with warm sand, dipping the foot on the seashore. When walking on the sand, active points located on the heels are stimulated, and there is a therapeutic effect on the body. You can heat the sand at home, pour it into a basin, immerse your sore legs. It turns out the same effect. It is recommended to do it at night - the pain will become less, the sleep will be stronger.

Metals and natural stones have healing powers and are often used for medicinal purposes. Copper works well for pain in the heels. Aluminum has similar properties to copper. Copper (aluminum) dishes are used as a remedy. Heat a copper container, dip your feet, placing your foot on a warm copper surface. There are no restrictions on the time of application.

Treatment with improvised means and objects

1. A method that is convenient at home is the contrast effect of water on the heel. The patient alternately dips his feet in cold water, in hot. These manipulations relieve pain in the heel, discomfort in the legs.

   Contrast baths

2. Magnets - relieve pain, inflammation in the heel area. Place your heel on a large magnet. It is worth using this method of treatment every evening for two months.
3. Medical alcohol reduces inflammation, disinfects, treats heel pain. Heat the alcohol to body temperature, dip your feet, hold until the alcohol cools down. Do the procedure every other day.
4. When walking for a long time, the heels experience stress and pain. Regular foot massage relieves fatigue and tension, pain in the heels of the feet. You can massage your feet with a rolling pin. A 20 minute massage is enough. Then apply the application on the foot and go to bed.

Treatment with medicinal plants

Folk medicines that quickly relieve pain, everyone has in the kitchen, in the refrigerator. Onion, garlic anesthetize, relieve inflammation, if applied to a sore spot. Make a healing gruel by rubbing garlic and onions, mix the resulting mixture. The gruel is applied to the sore spot. It relieves pain in a short time, disinfects, removing the causes of pain in the legs.

Horseradish is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Boil the leaves and roots, cool the broth, dip the heels of the feet. Do the procedure once a week. Medicinal herbs used in the treatment of pain in the legs - coltsfoot, burdock leaves, plantain. The principle of cooking is like with a decoction of horseradish.

An infusion of lingonberries taken orally removes salts - pain in the heels decreases, with constant walking, the legs hurt less. A tablespoon of lingonberry herb is poured with a liter of boiling water. Consume several times during the day, instead of tea. Infusion for internal consumption makes the treatment effective.

Relieves pain, reduces inflammation decoction of elderberries. Fill ¾ of a liter jar with fresh elderberries. Pour alcohol, leave for a week. Use the finished infusion once a week, moistening the towel, wiping the sore spot several times. Treat heel pain with a compress, leaving overnight.

Make a decoction of elderberries

Special therapeutic baths for the treatment of pain in the legs

Just treat with hot salt baths. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of salt in hot water. Salt baths take up to 30 minutes. There are contraindications. You can not treat people with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, with bruises, acute foot injuries.

A hot bath with iodine and soda is a budget way. Add two teaspoons of soda, 1 teaspoon of iodine to 2.5 liters of water. Dip your feet in warm water, leave in the water until it cools.

A mixture of turpentine and vinegar is used to treat heel pain. To prepare the mixture, take 250 ml of turpentine, 100 ml of vinegar essence. For 30 minutes, the foot of the foot is placed in a container with a solution. Doctors advise taking this bath every day for three weeks. Take a week break, if necessary, repeat the treatment.

Therapeutic foot bath

There are many medicinal baths. For example, baths with a decoction of medicinal herbs. Decoctions are made from herbs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties (wormwood, burdock, coltsfoot, nettle). A decoction is made by adding herbs in equal proportions, or using one type of plant. Two teaspoons of grass are poured into water (1 liter). When the water boils, reduce the fire, leave to boil. Leave the affected heel in the water until the water cools down. These folk methods and means, the most popular, were used by our grandmothers.

Compresses and applications by various means

A mixture of eggs, vinegar, baby cream is used as a compress. 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 egg, a little cream, mix thoroughly. Get a healing ointment. After an evening warm bath, rub into a sore spot. Put on a warm sock for a warming effect, leave overnight. After three or four treatments, the pain in the heel stops.

Laundry soap helps in the treatment of heel pain. Rub the soap on a grater, warm it up. Apply the resulting liquid to the foot, bandage, put on cellophane, leave overnight. It is recommended to do compresses on the heel daily.

A commonly used remedy for foot pain is propolis. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory functions. Warm up propolis in a water bath, make a wide cake, apply on a sore spot, leave overnight. It is recommended to treat the sore leg with propolis every evening, using it as a compress.

Treatment with folk methods quickly leads to the desired result. If you do not want to prepare decoctions, solutions, ointments, purchase a medical patch. The composition includes safflower, gentian, magnet powder, infrared powder, aconite root, borneol, Chinese angelica. The patch is glued to the dry skin of the heel for a day. Take off and put on a new one. When walking, the patch is not felt. Treatment with a patch takes about two weeks. The method has contraindications. Before use, consult your doctor.

Pain in the heels when walking and after sleep is a very common phenomenon. In most cases, this symptom is associated with plantar (plantar) fasciitis or heel spurs, but other causes are possible.

According to some estimates, about 10% of people complain of heel pain at least once in their lives. Most often, heels hurt in runners, as well as in people aged 40 to 60 years. In most cases, only one heel hurts, both legs are affected in about a third of people. Usually, heel pain is most severe in the morning or with the first steps after sleep. If you disperse, the discomfort subsides, but reappears after a long walk or heavy loads. Some people develop a limp or an odd gait as they try to spare the injured leg.

The most common cause of heel pain is damage and thickening of the bundle of connective tissue fibers that support the arch of the foot - the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the bones of the foot and also acts as a shock absorber. Due to trauma or gradual wear, micro-tears can appear in the structure of the plantar fascia. Because of this, it thickens and hurts. The scientific name for this phenomenon is plantar fasciitis. Surrounding tissues and the heel bone may also become inflamed. A bone spike often grows on the heel - a heel spur, which injures the surrounding tissues when walking and causes pain.

For the treatment of pain in the heel, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, various fixing devices and foot bandaging, as well as medications are used. In rare cases, resort to surgery. Approximately 80% of people get sick within a year.

To prevent foot problems or get rid of heel pain sooner, wear comfortable shoes with a small heel that protect the arches of the foot. Of great importance is the control of body weight, as excess weight creates additional stress on the heels.

Why does the heel hurt?

The most common cause of heel pain (in about 80% of cases) is plantar (plantar) fasciitis. This is damage and thickening of the calcaneal fascia - a thick bundle of fibers that connects the calcaneus to the rest of the foot. Injury to the heel fascia can occur in the following ways:

• as a result of an injury, for example, while running or dancing - such damage is more common in young and physically active people;
• during the gradual wear of the tissues of the plantar fascia - typical for people over 40 years old.

The risk of gradual wear and, as a result, damage to the plantar fascia increases in overweight or obese people, those who spend most of the day on their feet, as well as those who wear flat shoes - flip flops or flip flops.

With plantar fasciitis, pain in the heel after sleep is more common. After some time, it becomes easier, but by the middle of the day, with a long walk, the pain in the heel intensifies again.

Less common causes of heel pain

Heel spur- this is the growth of bone tissue in the form of a spike on the heel. A heel spur often co-occurs with plantar fasciitis as a consequence, but it can develop on its own without causing heel pain.

Fatigue (stress) fracture occurs as a result of long-acting excessive loads on the calcaneus when walking, running, jumping, etc. It is more common in people who play sports. It happens less often with osteoporosis - when the heel bone loses its strength and even ordinary walking or light jogging can lead to the destruction of its structure. A stress fracture is accompanied by aching pain, aggravated by pressure on the heel. There may be slight swelling at the fracture site.

Atrophy of the fat pad- thinning of the layer of adipose tissue under the heel bone under the influence of excessive pressure on it. The layer of fat between the bones of the foot and the skin plays an important role as a shock absorber when walking, softening the impact on the ground. The risk of developing atrophy of the fat pad is increased in women who walk in high heels for a long time, as well as in the elderly. In rare cases, atrophy of the fat layer on the foot develops after injections of corticosteroids into the joints, as well as after fractures. Orthopedic insoles help to cope with this cause of heel pain.

Bursitis is an inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs of fluid, usually located around joints and between tendons and bones). Near the heel there are three synovial bags, each of which can become inflamed under the influence of large loads on the foot or infection.

Tarsal (tarsal) tunnel syndrome- tunnel syndrome associated with compression of the tibial nerve in the connective tissue canal near the inner ankle of the foot. The cause of the narrowing of the canal may be damage after dislocations, fractures, or the formation of a cyst in it. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is characterized by a violation of sensitivity (from pain to numbness) in the foot and fingers, including at night, weakness in the muscles of the foot. When probing the inner ankle of the leg and the area around it, the pain and discomfort in the foot intensify. Sometimes there is pain in the heel.

Aseptic necrosis of the calcaneus can cause heel pain in children. Most often, necrosis develops as a result of stretching and contraction of the muscles and tendons under the knees and ankles due to the rapid growth of the child. When stretched, the calf muscle pulls the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon behind it. This causes the growing area of ​​the bone on the back of the heel (growth plate) to stretch, causing pain. This pain is aggravated by playing football or doing gymnastics. Often the pain appears on the side of the heel, but can also be felt under it. As a rule, aseptic necrosis of the calcaneus is well treated with exercises for stretching the hamstrings and calf muscles and tendons, as well as, if necessary, wearing special pads under the heel.

Diagnosis of heel pain

To diagnose heel diseases, you need to contact. In most cases, this specialist will deal with your further treatment. If it is difficult to get an appointment with this specialist, you can start with a visit. It is possible that during the examination you will need to consult other doctors: - to exclude systemic diseases of the joints, - to exclude diseases of the nerves of the foot.

There are some additional signs that can help you and your doctor suspect the cause of your heel pain. So, numbness or tingling in the leg is more likely to indicate nerve damage. This may be the tarsal tunnel syndrome described above, or a manifestation of a general lesion of the peripheral nerves, as occurs, for example, in diabetes mellitus. If the foot is hot to the touch and swollen, there may be an infection in the soft tissues or heel bone. In these cases, the help of a surgeon will be required. Limitation of mobility and pain in the joints of the foot indicate the likely development of arthritis - inflammation of the joint.

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following examinations:

• blood tests;
• radiography - the use of a small dose of radiation to detect pathologies in the bones;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (ultrasound) - methods for more detailed scanning of soft tissues.

How to treat sore heels?

As a rule, heel pain is treated in a complex way, for example, stretching exercises and painkillers. This can be a lengthy process, sometimes up to a year. If after this time the pain has not gone away, surgery is recommended as a last resort. This happens only in 0.5% of cases.

The success of heel pain treatment depends largely on the lifestyle you lead. Regardless of its cause, you will need to wear the “right” shoes, make time for physical exercise and get enough rest. Most of the manipulations for the treatment of heel pain can be performed independently, without the participation of a doctor.

If possible, spare the sore heel - try not to walk long distances on foot and not stand for a long time. In this case, you should regularly perform special exercises for stretching the feet and calves.

Therapeutic exercise for heels

Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help relieve pain and increase the flexibility of a sore foot. As a rule, exercises are recommended to be performed with both legs, even if only one of them hurts.

Stretching with a towel. Keep a long towel near the bed. In the morning, before you get up, drape a towel over your foot and use it to pull your toes towards you, keeping your knee straight. Repeat three times with each leg.

Stretch against the wall. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, placing one foot in front of the other. The front foot should be about 30 cm from the wall. Keeping your back straight, bend your front leg at the knee as you lean against the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf muscles of your other leg. Relax. Repeat 10 times with one leg, then the same number with the other. Do this exercise twice a day.

Stretching on the stairs. Stand on the step, facing the stairs, lean on the railing. The legs should be slightly apart, the heels should hang down from the step. Lower your heels until you feel a stretch in your calf muscles. Stay in this position for about 40 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat six times, at least twice a day.

Chair stretch. Sit on a chair, bend your knees at a right angle. Turn your feet so that your heels are touching and your toes are turned in opposite directions. Raise your toes on the sore foot, pressing the heel firmly to the floor. You should feel a stretch in your calf muscles and in your Achilles tendon (the bundle of fibers that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles). Stay in this position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times, 5-6 sets per day.

Dynamic stretch. While sitting, drive the arch of the foot (the concave part of the sole) over a round object, such as a rolling pin, tennis ball, or can. Some people report that using a cold jar also helps relieve pain. Move your foot in all directions on the object for several minutes. Repeat twice a day.

Painkillers for heel pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be used to relieve pain. Applying a cold compress to the affected heel for 5 to 10 minutes can also sometimes help relieve pain and inflammation. However, you can not apply ice directly to the skin, it must be wrapped in a towel. Instead of ice, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables.

Orthopedic insoles

Orthopedic insoles are inserted into shoes in order to support the foot in the correct position and soften the impact of the heel when walking. Ready-made insoles can be purchased at sporting goods stores, large pharmacies and orthopedic salons. Sometimes your doctor can recommend custom insoles that fit your feet perfectly. They are made to order. However, at present there is no reason to believe that custom-made insoles are more effective than standard ones.

Bandaging or taping feet for heel pain

To reduce the load on the plantar fascia and the pain in the heel associated with its inflammation, you can bandage the foot with an elastic bandage. The orthopedist will show you the bandaging technique. Instead of a bandage, you can use an adhesive plaster or a special sports tape - teip. Applying strips of plaster or tape to the foot is called taping. The patch creates additional support for the foot, imitating the supporting role of the fascia. You can find the foot taping technique for heel pain on the Internet or check with your doctor.

Some podiatrists recommend using special night orthoses or brace to stretch the ligaments of the foot while you sleep. Most people sleep with their toes pointing down, causing the plantar fascia to contract. Pain after waking up is associated with its sharp stretching and microtrauma.

The brace on the foot is made in such a way that during sleep the toes and feet are turned up. This helps stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, allowing the torn ligament fibers to fuse in the correct position and speed up recovery. As a rule, such orthoses or brace can be bought only in specialized stores or on the Internet.

Corticosteroid shots

If the above methods do not help relieve pain, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections. These are potent anti-inflammatory drugs and should be used with caution as they have severe side effects such as weight gain and high blood pressure (hypertension) when overdosed. Therefore, it is not recommended to give more than three injections of corticosteroids per year in any part of the body. Before giving a corticosteroid shot, your doctor may give you a local anesthetic.

Surgery for heel pain

If none of the treatments worked and you are still in pain after a year, you may be referred for surgery. Surgery is sometimes recommended for professional athletes and other athletes if heel pain is negatively impacting their career.

Surgery to excise the plantar fascia- the most widely used type of surgery for heel pain. The surgeon cuts the fascia to separate it from the heel bone and relieve tension in it. This should eliminate inflammation and relieve pain. The operation can be carried out in two ways:

• open - when a section of the calcaneal fascia is dissected through an incision in the heel;
• endoscopic, or minimal intervention surgery - when a small incision is made through which microsurgical instruments are inserted under the skin.

The recovery period after endoscopic surgery is shorter, so you will be able to walk normally much earlier (almost immediately), while recovery after open surgery takes 2 to 3 weeks. The disadvantage of minimal intervention surgery is that it is performed only by a trained surgical team and with special equipment, so the waiting time for such an operation can be longer. Endoscopic surgery also comes with an increased risk of damage to nearby nerves, which can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and loss of motion in the foot.

Like any other surgery, plantar fascia excision can have complications such as infection, nerve damage, and worsening of symptoms after surgery (although this is rare). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types of surgery with your doctor.

Shock wave therapy for heel spurs

This is a relatively new method of non-invasive treatment, that is, it does not involve surgical intervention. Shock wave therapy is especially effective in cases where heel pain is associated with a heel spur. The method consists in sending high-energy sound pulses to the heel using a special apparatus. This can be painful, so the doctor may inject a local anesthetic into the foot.

It is believed that shock wave therapy works in two directions, namely:

• has an analgesic effect;
• stimulates and accelerates the healing process.

However, there is no exact evidence for this. Some studies have shown that shock wave therapy is more effective than surgery and other treatments for heel pain, while others have shown that this procedure is no different in effectiveness from placebo (pseudo-treatment).

Prevention of heel pain

It is not always possible to avoid heel pain, but there are certain steps you can take to avoid such problems in the future. Being overweight is known to place additional stress on the feet, especially the heels, increasing the risk of injury. If you are overweight, losing weight and maintaining a normal body weight by combining regular exercise with a healthy, balanced diet will be good for your feet. (BMI) to see if your weight matches your height and body type.

Of great importance for the prevention of heel diseases is the choice of the "right" shoes. Wearing high heels to a party is unlikely to hurt you, but wearing them all week at work can hurt your feet, especially if you have to walk or stand a lot. It is best to choose shoes with laces and low or medium heels that support and protect the arches of the feet and heels. Do not wear flat shoes.

Do not walk barefoot on asphalt and hard ground. Often, heel pain occurs when a person begins to walk barefoot on vacation, after walking in shoes all year. In this case, the feet are not used to the extra pressure, which causes heel pain.

If you lead an active lifestyle, such as running or any other sport, change your running shoes regularly. Most experts recommend changing your running shoes after you've run about 500 miles in them. Be sure to stretch after your workouts, and incorporate regular strength and flexibility exercises into your workouts.

Which doctor should I contact if the heel hurts?

In most cases, heel pain requires a doctor's consultation. With the help of the NaPopravku service, you can quickly find someone who will deal with your diagnosis and treatment. If it is difficult to get to a specialist of this profile, contact for help.

Localization and translation prepared by site. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not been reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content

Copyright notice: “Department of Health original content 2020”

All materials on the site have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow taking into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only complements it. Articles are prepared for informational purposes and are advisory in nature.

Heel pain is common for a variety of reasons. At a young age, few people experience this, when a person passes the milestone of 50 years, immediate treatment is often required. Some people consider this condition normal, they do not pay attention to the symptoms, exacerbating the pathology.

Pain in the heels causes trouble, hinders movement, leaving the problem unresolved is not recommended. Most sick people have no idea how to treat heel pain. First of all, you need to examine the shoes worn by a person. More often, women suffer from pain in the heels, because of their much-loved heels.

Sometimes, pain is a consequence of a leg injury - and joints. The pains are not aching, sharp, comparable to needle pricks in the heel.

Considering the reasons, pay attention to the following points:

Do not underestimate the pain in the legs that occurs below, at the first symptoms, consult a doctor. Pain interferes with a full life, is a symptom of serious illness.

Diseases associated with foot pain

The doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis, the symptoms, accompanied by pain in the heels, indicate serious diseases of the legs that require immediate treatment. As a rule, it hurts under the heel.

Consider the diseases characterized by this symptom:

The main causes of unpleasant symptoms in the foot area are listed, if they occur, it is recommended to get rid of them by contacting a doctor.

How to determine why the heels hurt with the help of diagnostics?

People don't know which doctor to go to for pain. It is worth visiting a therapist who will write a referral to a specific doctor. After contacting a doctor, a diagnosis is prescribed. The choice of method depends on the severity of the disease, the injury. The doctor will get acquainted with the patient's complaints, taking into account when the pain intensifies - in the morning or in the evening, he will get acquainted with the diseases noticed earlier.

To more accurately establish the diagnosis, the patient to do tests:

1. When the patient cannot walk, a general blood and urine test is prescribed. The reason is in diseases of the kidneys and spine. It is important from which side the pain occurs, more often people complain that the left side of the foot hurts.
2. When it hurts under the heel, a scraping from the urethra is given up, pain often occurs in case of serious diseases in the bladder and kidneys, then it radiates to the legs.
3. An x-ray is required. If there is a pathology in the body, the patient cannot walk normally, the reason is in the destruction of the bone, a fracture.
4. If you suspect the occurrence of a malignant tumor in the legs, an analysis is made for a tumor marker.
5. A biopsy is done if bone tuberculosis is suspected.

The doctor, having received the results of the tests, prescribes a treatment that helps get rid of the problem. What to do next, the doctor decides.

What to do if your heels hurt?

Treatment begins with getting rid of the causes of pain. If it hurts under the heel constantly, the disease is chronic, if the pain gives off in the legs periodically, the disease is associated with an acute form. It is required to start treatment, it will not be possible to walk without discomfort, sometimes, with foot problems, disability occurs, a person cannot move normally.

You can get rid of the problem at home if the disease is at an early stage. Use ointments to help get rid of pain and fatigue, resort to folk remedies. Follow the recommendations - the disease of the legs will pass soon:

1. When walking, there is a load on the legs, it is desirable to lose weight. The feet take on weight and hurt, the heels are extended to the sides, which causes calluses.
2. After the doctor examines the legs without revealing pathologies, take care of comfortable shoes, the presence of orthopedic insoles. The problem happens in flat feet, curable at home.
3. Some say that it hurts under the heel because of the heel. Opinion is deceptive, shoes without a heel also carry a danger. A moderate heel of 5 centimeters is desirable.
4. An effective way is daily therapeutic exercises. You need to do exercises constantly, you can do it at home. After exercise, it is recommended to smear the legs with special soothing creams and gels that tone blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Feet require constant care, make foot baths that are both relaxing and tonic. It is recommended to add pine oil, sea salt to warm baths, the pain in the legs quickly calms down, the person begins to feel normal, the fatigue of the foot goes away.

If severe pain occurs, it is recommended to apply a cold, sore spot to lubricate with anti-inflammatory drugs. Pain is not the norm, if it occurs in the feet, it is recommended to immediately seek help from a doctor who can determine the cause and get rid of it. When pain occurs when walking, the cause is an excessive load, in the evening the legs are smeared with special creams that help the muscles relax. You can buy drugs at a pharmacy.

The human foot, along with the spine, withstands enormous loads throughout the day.

There are many factors that can negatively affect the basic functions of its structural elements and cause pain in the heel, ranging from uncomfortable shoes to serious lesions of the musculoskeletal system that require long-term treatment.

Such a symptom may be isolated, or accompanied by external signs of an inflammatory process, fever, a feeling of general intoxication.

All this makes up a single picture of the disease, which allows the doctor to quickly determine the diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment regimen.

The calcaneus is the largest structure in the foot. It is she who has the main load when walking, running, lifting weights. The largest Achilles tendon is attached here, which ensures the mobility of the heel relative to the lower leg, the longitudinal plantar fascia, which supports the arch of the foot in an elevated state, and other structures of the musculoskeletal and muscular apparatus. Therefore, incorrect or excessive load, microtrauma can cause inflammatory changes, resulting in pain in the heel.

In general, the etiological factors in the development of discomfort in the back of the foot are various lesions of its main structures, these are:

• directly the heel bone, it is subject to pathological changes against the background of various diseases that affect bone tissue;
• the epidermal cover, consisting of a layer of rough skin and subcutaneous tissue, performs a protective function, its thinning leads to an increase in the load and damage to bone and cartilage tissue;
• blood vessels, a number of diseases can cause circulatory disorders, oxygen and nutrient delivery;
• synovial bags, the inflammatory process in the surrounding tendon attachment site can also cause quite severe pain in the heel;
• nerve endings, their irritation and damage is accompanied by severe discomfort;
• ligaments and tendons, injuries and microdamages of these structures are the most common cause of discomfort in the foot.

All diseases that can cause heel pain can be divided into two large groups. The first includes pathologies and injuries that directly affect the structure of the bone and cartilage tissue of the foot.

The other includes numerous systemic diseases, accompanied by metabolic disorders, blood flow, and intense inflammation. Such disorders in one way or another affect the structure and functions of the cells of the muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bones of the foot.

In addition, heel pain can provoke improper distribution to the ligaments and bones of the foot, caused by a strong increase in body weight during pregnancy, endocrine pathologies, and non-compliance with the diet. Sometimes sharp twitching pain impulses occur when wearing narrow, pressing shoes, shoes with very high heels. Similar symptoms can occur when walking for a long time, running, after a whole day of being on your feet without rest.

Acute pain often occurs after a severe bruise, injury, fall on the legs from a height, fractures of the bones of the foot. With appropriate treatment and adherence to the regimen, such lesions disappear without any special consequences.

Diseases that directly affect the bone and cartilage structures of the foot, ligaments and tendons without pronounced systemic disorders include:

• Heel spur (the "scientific" name for the pathology is plantar or plantar fasciitis). A very common disease, which is the result of inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects the phalangeal region of the foot to the heel. Pathology is characterized by the formation of an outgrowth on the calcaneus and cutting pain that occurs when stepping on the foot, especially in the morning, and resembles a nail prick in nature.
• Inflammation (tendinitis) or stretching of the Achilles tendon. It is it that binds the foot and leg muscles and provides mobility when walking. As a rule, Achilles is characterized not only by pain in the heel, but also by swelling and discomfort on the back of the foot just above the calcaneus.
• Haglund's deformity. Symptoms of the disease occur due to the formation of a growth on the back of the calcaneus. Sometimes the pathology proceeds without a pronounced clinical picture, but is noticeable externally in the form of a seal.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome. The cause of this pathology is inflammation of a large nerve located in the lower leg.
• A crack or fracture of the calcaneus occurs as a result of a strong blow. In addition to throbbing pain, bruising, swelling and redness are noticeable in the sole area.
• Sprain of the ankle ligaments located on the side of the calcaneus. In this case, discomfort appears when moving the affected foot.
• Shinz's disease (osteochondropathy of the calcaneal tuber). The etiology of this disease has not been fully established. It is believed that due to heavy loads, blood flow disorders or chronic infections, necrotic processes begin in various parts of the spongy calcaneus.
• Bursitis of the synovial bags of the tendons of the foot. Accompanied by exudate effusion and swelling, which causes pain in the heel. Unlike many other diseases, the symptoms of this pathology are aggravated during sleep.
• Oncological lesions of the calcaneus. The clinical picture is not limited to cutting pain in the sole area. As a rule, the patient is also concerned about systemic symptoms, manifested in the form of intoxication, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, etc.
• Epiphysitis of the calcaneus. It occurs in children under 14 years of age, which is associated with a change in the violation of the structure of the foot. The main cause of this disease is insufficient calcium intake, wearing shoes with a flat sole without arch support, intense physical activity.
• Osteomyelitis. It develops against the background of an infectious lesion of the bone tissue of the heel. The disease begins with a burning sensation in the back of the foot, the formation of an ulcer. Over time, the pain in the heel increases, becomes permanent and disturbs the patient both at rest and when walking.

No less often, people who seek medical help with complaints of chronic or sudden pain impulses from the inside of the foot are diagnosed with systemic pathologies. This:

• Circulatory disorders as a result of diabetes, atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Violation of microcirculation is accompanied by a decrease in the thickness of the fatty layer surrounding the heel bone, destructive changes in bone and cartilage tissue, and innervation disorders.
• Arthritis. In such diseases, heel pain occurs as a result of systemic inflammation of the connective tissue, and this problem affects almost all joints.
• Gout. It proceeds with severe metabolic disorders and salt deposition in various organs and tissues, including joints. As a result of such changes, the cartilage is gradually destroyed, which is accompanied by a cutting or dull pain.
• Tuberculosis of the calcaneus. It occurs as a secondary complication of a lung infection caused by the corresponding pathogen with a strong weakening of the immune system.

There are many more autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that affect various joints. But they rarely cause pain in the heel, "preferring" the intervertebral discs, knees, elbows, phalanxes of the fingers. Localization of discomfort, its severity are different. In some pathologies, symptoms occur in the morning, or after a long rest in a sitting or lying position.

In other cases, heel pain is permanent. Methods of therapy for such pathologies are different. But in most cases, doctors recommend wearing special insoles (orthoses), painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for oral and external use, physiotherapy and special exercises. Sometimes heel pain can be treated with folk remedies at home.

Pain in the heel, it hurts to step on: special cases of the occurrence of such symptoms

In some cases, according to the specifics of clinical symptoms, a specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis. For example, intense pain in the heel, when it hurts to come on immediately after waking up, indicates damage to the plantar fascia.

The fact is that microdamages and the inflammatory process in this tendon supporting the arch of the foot subside during a long rest. And when a person gets out of bed and leans on a sore leg, the load again provokes acute pain. A better-known name for this problem is heel spurs.

Over time, inflammation of the tendon progresses, causing disturbances in calcium metabolism and the formation of outgrowths on the calcaneus. This further aggravates the situation and leads to severe acute pain when pressing on the foot. Treatment of heel spurs is quite long. Moreover, if ointments and various physiotherapy procedures do not have an effect, surgical intervention is necessary.

If there is pain in the heel, it hurts to come after a long walk or run in the vast majority of cases is the result of tendon sprain, infectious or systemic inflammatory processes.

Excessive load on the cartilaginous tissue and ligaments causes irritation of the nerve endings and the appearance of unpleasant painful sensations of varying severity. If such symptoms occur as a result of stretching, they disappear after a while and without treatment. However, connective tissue lesions require close medical supervision even during the period of remission and long, often dangerous side effects of therapy.

An injury to the calcaneus is almost always accompanied by severe pain. It occurs immediately after the impact and intensifies over time. The situation is exacerbated by tissue edema, which is the result of a hematoma of the subcutaneous tissue. For a long time, the leg bothers so much that it is almost impossible to step on it.

If a bruised foot accompanies intense pain in the heel and it hurts to attack, you should consult a doctor and take an x-ray to rule out a fracture or fracture of the bone.

To eliminate such symptoms, ointments and gels are not enough. Doctors prescribe painkillers, put on fixing orthoses, and strongly recommend that you observe strict bed rest for several days (and sometimes weeks), without allowing any load on the sore foot.

The heel bone hurts: the possible nature of such manifestations, diagnostic methods

The intensity of discomfort in the back of the foot can be different. Moreover, it depends not only on the strength of the inflammatory process, but also on the individual characteristics of the patient. For example, in diabetes mellitus, microcirculation and sensitivity of nerve endings are disturbed, so even if the heel bone hurts quite intensely, a person can only feel severe discomfort.

Unpleasant sensations are:

• acute, which is typical for a pronounced inflammatory process, injury;
• pulling or binding, which most likely indicates arthritis, osteochondropathy and other lesions of the connective tissue;
• accompanied by tingling or numbness, such symptoms usually indicate that nerve endings are involved in the pathological process;
• occur in parallel with edema and hematomas, which is typical for fractures and bruises of the calcaneus, bursitis;
• be accompanied by erosive skin lesions, for example, with osteomyelitis caused by the ingress of pathogens from the outside;
• to proceed with an increase in temperature, which usually indicates a systemic infection.

Of great importance is the location where the heel bone hurts. The occurrence of discomfort closer to the arch of the foot is often a symptom of inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Spilled discomfort, especially against the background of stress, long walking usually occurs due to banal overwork and uncomfortable position of the foot in the shoe. If the calcaneus hurts at the back, this may indicate a stretch of the Achilles tendon.

Sometimes the impulses radiate to the middle of the heel and become more intense when the foot moves.

A similar clinical picture characterizes epiphysitis. However, with such a disease, discomfort is felt after waking up. If the heel bone hurts on the side, especially in combination with tingling, the problem most likely lies in the damage to the nerve fibers. Although such symptoms sometimes occur when the tendons surrounding the ankle joint are stretched. Diagnosis of various diseases that cause discomfort in the foot area requires an integrated approach.

With an unclear clinical picture (for example, plantar fasciitis can be detected already during the initial examination), a general and biochemical blood test is prescribed to identify specific markers of the inflammatory process.

If autoimmune pathologies are suspected, additional highly specialized studies are needed. An ultrasound and radiograph of the calcaneus, joints and tendons of the ankle are also performed.

If necessary, measure bone density. If cancer is suspected, a special scan is done to detect metastases.

Inflammation of the calcaneus: first aid, folk medicines and preventive measures

The main drugs for pain relief are NSAIDs. With relatively mild symptoms or contraindications to oral administration of such tablets, the use of ointments and gels is advised. Movalis, Nise, Nurofen and their analogues have proven themselves well.

It is possible to improve microcirculation and stop inflammation of the calcaneus with the help of local irritants based on bee venom, natural or synthetic hot pepper extract, snake venom. It is advised to apply ointments such as Kapsikam, Viprosal, Espol, Finalgon, Deep Hit, Bom-Benge to the affected area of ​​the foot. To increase the effectiveness of treatment after using the drug, put on a warm woolen sock.

Ointments are applied 2-3 times a day, the duration of therapy is up to 10 days. If there is no effect, you should consult a doctor.

After consulting a doctor, it is possible to use corticosteroids, electrophoresis, laser exposure, analgesic blockade (they are done in a hospital under aseptic conditions) and other methods to remove inflammation of the calcaneus. During treatment, it is necessary to ensure a decrease in the load on the sore leg (if possible, observe bed rest). An excellent addition to the main medical treatment are orthopedic insoles and heel pads, which can be ordered and purchased at a specialized store.

It is necessary to choose appropriate shoes with an arch support, a dense sole and a small stable heel. In case of sprains, the foot is wrapped with an elastic bandage, capturing the ankle joint and the Achilles tendon.

When bandaging, it is necessary to fix the instep of the foot and the plantar fascia in a physiological position.

Also, inflammation of the calcaneus can be removed with the help of fairly simple exercises. During sedentary work, reading, watching TV, it is recommended to roll a tennis ball with your foot. An excellent result is the use of massage rollers and the Kuznetsov applicator.

You can improve the elasticity of the plantar tendons as follows. Take a large towel, fold it lengthwise several times. It is necessary to sit on a chair, stretch your leg in front of you in a bent position, place the middle of the towel just above the arch of the foot and pull the fabric with your hands towards you.

To stretch the ligaments and tendons, improve microcirculation, you can lift small objects with your toes. In some cases, inflammation of the calcaneus, stretching of the tendons can be done with the help of folk remedies. For example, mix a teaspoon of salt and the protein of one egg. This gruel is rubbed into a sore spot.

You can also cut the green stems and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke at the rate of 35-40 g per liter of water and boil for half an hour. In the resulting broth, it is necessary to soar the affected foot. The peeled onion must be passed through a meat grinder and mixed with a tablespoon of honey and the same amount of grated laundry soap.

Stir, leave for an hour and apply to the heel at night, covering the top with cling film and putting on a warm sock. But if traditional medicine or anti-inflammatory ointments do not bring results, you need to make an appointment with a surgeon. After the examination, he will either prescribe therapy himself, or give a referral for a consultation with an orthopedist or traumatologist. However, first of all, the doctor excludes disorders associated with neurology.

To prevent inflammation of the calcaneus, it is necessary to be careful about the selection of shoes, especially if the work is associated with a long stay on the feet. If you are overweight or have a predisposition to damage to the structures of the foot, you need to use special insoles.