Heel pain is an extremely common complaint among adults. Causes of heel pain can usually be pinpointed to excessive stress or pounding placed on the foot, although other causes of heel pain may be more serious. An accurate diagnosis is imperative to a successful treatment plan and recovery.

Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is the swelling of the tightly wrapped tissue in the arch of the foot. Rest and elevation of the heel can alleviate pain and swelling. Special ankle stretches should help reduce the recovery time.

Heel spurs are painful hooks of bone located on the heel. These are often seen in patients with plantar fasciitis and may require surgery. Another fairly common cause of heel pain is tarsal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a large nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched. This is rather similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand. Stress fractures of the bone in the heel can also cause heel pain.

Signs that heel pain may be serious and require medical attention include the inability to walk comfortably on the affected side, pain that occurs at night or while resting, pain that persists beyond a few days, swelling or discoloration of the heel, and any sign of infection or unusual symptoms.

Approaches to treat heel pain varies. It is very important that the cause of the pain is understood before beginning a treatment regimen. As with any injury, you should seek medical advice before beginning any therapy. Common at-home remedies include: applying ice packs to ease pain, exercising and stretching to relax the tissues surrounding the heel and bone, and taking anti-inflammatory medications which are used to both control heel pain and decrease inflammation. A fairly inexpensive and common treatment to heel pain are shoe inserts. These will allow the wearer to complete an activity without extra stress on the heel.

People more likely to suffer from heel pain may include those with foot abnormalities; those who undertake continuous, strenuous exercise; those who are obese; those who stand for prolonged periods; and those who wear shoes that do not fit properly. To reduce the risk of incurring heel pain, it is important to wear shoes that fit well.

Sufferers of heel pain will usually get better without surgery. Ignoring heel pain can easily worsen the condition resulting in a chronic condition which can lead to more serious problems. If you are experiencing heel pain, you may want to contact your health care professional.