Quarantine Topic of the day………….Heel Pain
Dr. Tarisayi Hoto
Not all heel pain is the same. There are several reasons heel pain can occur and its one of the most common reasons to visit a Podiatrist.
Plantar heel pain is the most prevalent complaint 11-15% of adults, although pain to the back or side of the heel is also common.
Clinical Presentation can vary, some of the common presentations are as follows:
Isolated heel pain, tenderness, swelling and redness
Pain with weight bearing or on palpation.
Pain aggravated by increased activity.
Palpable prominence at the Achilles insertion site.
Typically, diagnosis can be made based on a detailed history and physical examination. It is advisable to refrain from any activities that aggravate pain until you are evaluated.
Some common diagnoses are:
Plantar Fasciitis
Calcaneal Bursitis
Haglund’s Deformity
Infracalcaneal heel spur
Baxter’s Neuritis
Heel Pad atrophy
Calcaneal Stress Fracture
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Together with physical evaluation and some diagnostic imaging studies which might include X-rays, Ultrasound and MRI, a diagnosis can be made.
Treatment:
This varies and is tailored to the root cause and diagnosis. Conservative and Surgical interventions will be considered.
With most injuries it is important to start the RICE treatment (Rest, Ice ,Compression, Elevation.)
Wearing a protective boot.
Custom Orthotics with shoe wear modification.
NSAIDs, home stretching exercises, Physical therapy.
Steroid injections, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and Extracorporeal
shock wave therapy (ESWT).
Avoid barefoot activities and wearing shoes with inadequate cushioning and support .
Surgical Intervention:
Different procedures can be performed depending on the cause of the heel pain.
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