Many people have posterior heel pain, also known as pain at the back of the heel, which may be a frustrating and crippling ailment. Several things, including as trauma, overuse, and underlying medical disorders, might contribute to it. In this article, we'll look at the reasons of posterior heel discomfort and talk about how to treat and avoid it.
Causes of Posterior Heel Pain
Many variables, such as the following, might contribute to posterior heel pain:
Achilles Tendinitis
The thick band of tissue that links the calf muscles to the heel bone is known as the Achilles tendon. Back of the heel discomfort and stiffness may result from inflammation of this tendon.
Haglund's Deformity
This bony growth appears on the heel bone's back. When it scrapes against shoes, discomfort and irritation may result.
Tarsal Runnel Syndrome
This ailment is brought on by compression or entrapment of the tibial nerve, which runs down the back of the ankle. The heel and foot may experience discomfort and numbness as a result.
Bursitis
Bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid that lubricate and cushion joints. Pain and swelling may result from an irritated bursa behind the heel.
Pump Bump
When the back of the heel bumps up against the rear of a shoe, this condition develops, resulting in swelling and discomfort.
Symptoms
Symptoms If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's crucial to visit a doctor:
- severe discomfort or swelling in the heel's back
- unwillingness to put weight on the injured foot
- tingling or numbness in the heel or foot
- cold or fever
These signs and symptoms might point to a more serious disease that needs urgent medical care.
Managing Posterior Heel Pain
If you are experiencing posterior heel pain, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms:
- Rest
Resting the injured foot might help to lessen discomfort and swelling.
- Ice
Ice therapy can be used to soothe pain and inflammation in the afflicted region. To avoid causing skin harm, be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel.
- Stretching
Stretching the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can help ease discomfort and stress. Before beginning any stretches, make sure to speak with a doctor.
- Footwear
Shoes that are comfortable to wear and offer enough support might assist to lessen discomfort and inflammation. Shoes with hard backs and high heels should be avoided.
- Orthotics
The problematic foot might benefit from additional support and cushioning from custom orthotics. Before utilizing any orthotics, be sure to speak with a doctor.
- Medications
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, two over-the-counter painkillers, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Prior to taking any drugs, make sure you follow the advised dose and get medical advice.
Prevention
You can do a number of things to stop posterior heel pain from happening, including:
- Keep a healthy weight.
Overweight people are more likely to experience foot issues like posterior heel discomfort because their feet are put under more strain.
- Wear appropriate footwear
Shoes that are comfortable to wear and offer sufficient support can help avoid posterior heel discomfort. Shoes with hard backs and high heels should be avoided.
- Training
Exercise intensity and duration should be gradually increased to avoid overuse issues like Achilles tendonitis.
- Stretching
Before and after exercise, stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help minimize the risk of injury and posterior heel discomfort.
- Cross-training
By mixing up your physical activity, you can lower your risk of posterior heel discomfort and help prevent overuse problems.