Foot & Ankle

Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common issue that affects many people and can occur due to various causes. The heel is made up of the calcaneus bone and is supported by muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues, all of which help support the body's weight during movement. Heel pain is often the result of excessive strain on these structures. While heel pain often improves with rest, ignoring the early signs can lead to chronic conditions that worsen over time.

Common Symptoms of Heel Pain

Heel pain is typically felt beneath or behind the heel, and is most noticeable during walking, jogging, or running. The pain may be sharp or stabbing, especially when you first stand up in the morning or after sitting for long periods. Other common symptoms include:

  • Swelling or inflammation around the heel
  • Numbness or a tingling sensation
  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest



Causes of Heel Pain

Several factors can contribute to heel pain. These include:

  • Obesity: Excess weight can put added stress on the heel.
  • Abnormal walking style: Poor biomechanics can affect the distribution of force on the heel.
  • Standing or walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods.
  • Ill-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support can exacerbate heel pain.

Common conditions related to heel pain include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, causing sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning.
  • Bursitis: Swelling of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel.
  • Achilles Tendinitis: Swelling of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.
  • Bone Spurs: Extra growth of bone that can irritate the surrounding tissues.
  • Calcaneal Fracture: A fracture in the heel bone, often caused by trauma or injury.
  • Haglund’s Deformity: Enlargement of the bone at the back of the heel.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of nerves at the back of the foot, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, which can also affect the heel.


Diagnosing Heel Pain

To diagnose the cause of your heel pain, Dr. Ryan du Sart will conduct a medical consultation, including a thorough physical examination of your foot. During the examination, the foot’s range of motion will be assessed to pinpoint the source of pain. Further imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may be required to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of heel pain.


Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Treatment for heel pain largely depends on the underlying cause and location of the pain. Non-operative treatments are often effective for most cases of heel pain. These include:


Non-Operative Treatment

  • Rest: Avoiding activities that stress the heel is crucial for recovery.
  • Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Exercise: Foot stretches, regular exercise, and massage can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
  • Proper footwear: Wearing shoes that provide adequate support, along with heel cups, heel straps, or night splints, can aid in healing.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both topical and oral, can be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Corticosteroid injections: For cases of severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide pain relief.
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EST): High-energy sound waves are used to treat nerve problems associated with heel pain, promoting healing.


Preventative Measures

  • Wearing well-fitted shoes
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the heel
  • Using shoe inserts or custom orthotics for additional support


Surgical Treatment

If non-operative treatments are ineffective and the pain persists, surgery may be recommended for conditions such as heel spurs, bursitis, or a fracture of the heel bone. Surgical options may include:

  • Heel Spur Surgery: Removal of the bone spur that is causing pain and discomfort.
  • Bursitis Surgery: Surgical removal of the bursa if it is inflamed and causing persistent pain.
  • Fracture Repair: Surgical intervention may be necessary to fix a broken heel bone, depending on the severity of the fracture.


Why Choose Dr. Ryan du Sart for Heel Pain Treatment?

Dr. Ryan du Sart is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in the treatment of heel pain and foot conditions. He offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating heel pain, utilising both conservative and surgical options. Dr. du Sart’s patient-first approach ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, helping patients return to a pain-free, active lifestyle as soon as possible.


Book a Consultation

If you are experiencing heel pain and have not found relief through conservative treatments, contact Dr. Ryan du Sart today for a consultation. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Phone: (08) 9779 9767
Email: admin@ryandusart.com.au
Locations:
6 Higgins Street, South Bunbury, WA 6230
20 Prince Street, Busselton, WA 6280




References:

  1. Amlang, M. H., et al. (2017). "Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain: Clinical Management and Recent Advancements." Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 56(3), 521-529.
  2. Ho, T., et al. (2020). "Heel Pain and Its Management: A Comprehensive Review." Foot & Ankle International, 41(4), 453-460.
  3. Rosenbaum, A. J., & Tuckman, D. (2019). "Conservative Management of Heel Pain." Foot and Ankle Clinics, 24(1), 35-45.