Back of heel pain can be debilitating, disrupting daily activities and impacting overall well-being. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or sharp pains at the back of your heel. Achilles tendinitis, bursitis, and heel spurs are just a few common causes, but understanding the root of your pain is essential for effective treatment.
At-home remedies can temporarily relieve lingering pain or severe symptoms that require professional attention. A podiatrist can provide a thorough diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, but what are the specific causes and treatment options available for back-heeled pain? Let’s discuss this in our latest blog.
Key Takeaways
- Achilles tendinitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, and poor footwear choices are common causes of back heel pain.
- At-home remedies such as resting, ice therapy, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear can help alleviate heel pain.
- Lasting podiatry care involves professional diagnosis, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and advanced treatments for persistent cases of heel pain.
- Preventing foot and back heel pain involves maintaining a healthy weight, wearing well-fitted footwear, regular stretching, and gradually increasing activity.
- If the heel pain persists for over two weeks or is severe, seeking podiatry clinic care for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment is essential.
Common Causes of Back Heel Pain
The heel of the foot is a complex structure, prone to various injuries and conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. Back heel pain is a common complaint that can arise from many factors:
- One of the leading causes of back heel pain is Achilles tendinitis, characterised by inflammation of the Achilles tendon and often results from overuse or tight calf muscles.
- Another prevalent condition is retrocalcaneal bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel, typically caused by friction from footwear or repetitive motion activities.
- Additionally, heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that develop over time on the heel bone, can cause pain, particularly when associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Stress fractures in the heels or surrounding areas, usually resulting from repetitive impact activities, can lead to localized pain and tenderness.
- Proper footwear and moderate physical activity are essential to preventing these conditions.
If you are experiencing persistent back heel pain, seeking podiatry care is essential in determining the underlying cause and developing a tailored treatment plan to address the issue effectively, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort. A thorough diagnosis is crucial in resolving back heel pain.
Effective At-Home Remedies for Heel Pain
Managing heel pain effectively at home requires a combination of proven remedies and consistent self-care practices:
Rest & Cold Therapy
When experiencing discomfort in the back of the heel, implementing proper rest periods is essential to promote healing and prevent further strain on the affected area.
While you rest, applying ice therapy for 15-20 minutes multiple times throughout the day can significantly reduce inflammation and provide relief, especially after activities that trigger pain.
Targeted Stretches
Regular stretching exercises targeting the calf muscles and plantar fascia are essential in managing heel pain. These exercises help improve flexibility and alleviate tension in the affected areas, contributing to long-term relief.
Here is a simple and easy to follow vide tutorial from NHS UK on how to perform a plantar fascia / calf stretch.
Anti-Inflammatories
As a short-term and temporary option, you can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to temporarily reduce swelling and discomfort while the healing process is underway.
Please eneure that you do not rely on anti-imflammatories long-term, if you still have back of heel pain a week later, you need to seek professional assistance.
Proper Footwear
One of the most essential at-home remedies is ensuring proper footwear selection. Shoes with adequate support and cushioning help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing stress on the heel area.
This simple yet effective measure can prevent the worsening of existing conditions and support the overall recovery process while maintaining daily activities.
Lasting Podiatry Heel Pain Treatment Options
When at-home remedies fail to provide lasting relief from back heel pain, seeking professional help from a podiatrist is the next logical step. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of heel pain, whether calcaneal apophysitis, plantar fasciitis, or another condition, and develop a targeted treatment plan. Below is a high level summary of several potential treatments a poditrist may implement depending on your specific back of heel pain isssue:
- Podiatrists use thorough examinations, including imaging tests and physical assessments, to determine the root cause of pain.
- Treatment options may include physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the heel, relieving pain and improving function.
- Podiatrists frequently prescribe custom orthotics to support the arch, address biomechanical problems, and relieve heel pressure.
- Advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy may be employed in persistent cases.
- Ongoing podiatry care is vital for monitoring healing progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
By working with a podiatrist, individuals can develop a personalised treatment plan to address their specific needs and achieve long-lasting relief from heel pain. With the right treatment approach, individuals can regain comfort and mobility and resume their daily activities without discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Foot & Back Heel Pain
Anyone familiar with heel pain understands its notable impact on daily life, disrupting Comfort and mobility. Whether caused by plantar fasciitis or overuse injuries, there are preventative measures that can significantly mitigate these issues and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
In cases of persistent pain, seeking podiatry care remains an essential recourse.
When to Seek Podiatry Clinic Care for Back of Heel Pain
Recognising the importance of preventative measures for foot health is essential, but knowing when to seek professional care is equally important. Persistent heel pain can disrupt daily activities, making it vital to understand when a visit to a podiatry clinic is necessary. If self-treatment over two to three weeks yields no relief, it may signify an underlying condition that requires professional evaluation.
Here are circumstances under which seeking care at a podiatry clinic becomes necessary:
Summing It All Up...
Back heel pain can significantly impact daily activities, but understanding its causes and incorporating appropriate care strategies can provide lasting relief.
From at-home remedies to professional podiatry treatments, addressing heel pain promptly is crucial. Individuals can achieve optimal foot health by adopting preventive measures, choosing supportive footwear, and seeking timely medical intervention when needed.
Consulting a podiatrist is essential to developing comprehensive treatment plans for persistent symptoms. If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, contact Bellevue Podiatry today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward more active, pain-free days.
If you want the right professional advice on how to treat your foot pain, we currently have a limited offer running to help you out. For just $79 (usually valued at $189), book in online for our Complete Foot Pain Assessment & Treatment Consultation will get:
- Complete In-Depth Foot Pain Examination
- Review of Footwear & Personal Habit Diagnosis
- Treadmill Walking Gait Analysis & Video Assessment
- Complete Foot & Ankle Structural Diagnosis
- Effective Foot Pain Treatment Plan To Get You Walking Pain Free
- Peace of Mind You Know What Is Causing Your Foot Pain & How To Fix It
Foot Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Understand what causes your foot pain and what you can do to get rid of it once and for all. Find out what treatments can get you back to walking pain free so you can enjoy living an active life again!
Bellevue Podiatry
Bellevue Podiatry has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs for over 10 years. We have the qualifications, experience and education to effectively treat any lower limb condition or injury that requires expert podiatry care.
Article References:
If you would like a deeper understanding of the treatment podiatrists use for arch pain, please click on the links below:
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/heel-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050788
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181453
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/heel-pain/