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What can cause heel pain?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 67-year-old male. I am overweight, mildly diabetic, and have a high BP. I have pain in the backside of my left heel. It increases in the evening. I think I have Achilles tendinitis. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have mentioned pain in your heel region. Also, you have stated that you are diabetic, hypertensive, and overweight. There are actually many causes of pain in the heel region, so it can be due to plantar fasciitis which is very common in your age group. It can be due to bony spurs causing recurrent inflammation. As you have stated it can also be due to Achilles tendonitis (Achilles tendinitis) which is an inflammatory condition at the site of attachment of the Achilles tendon. Also, sugar levels have to be kept under strict control because it can sometimes lead to cellulitis like a situation in which a patient experiences pain, swelling, local warmth, etc., and treatment is entirely different for it. So, the treatment depends upon the cause of the pain. Also kindly tell me whether there is any swelling or any other signs and symptoms of inflammation like skin discoloration or local warmth etc. Initially, if the pain is of recent origin with no other signs and symptoms of inflammation as written earlier, you can initiate with ice packs for local application at the tender site. Physical therapy especially ultrasonic for local application or laser therapy can be initiated. Take gentle painkillers like the tablet Ultracet (Tramadol hydrochloride and Acetaminophen) twice a day for three to five days. Shoe modification and avoidance of those activities which increase your pain. Do let me know how you are feeling in the next three to five days and revert back with your investigation reports and a clinical picture.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

1. Recent blood tests like CBC (complete blood count), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein) and serum uric acid. 2. X-ray ankle - lateral view. 3. A clinical picture showing exact site of pain and inflammation, so that the pathology can be estimated.

Differential diagnosis

1. Achilles tendonitis (Achilles tendinitis).

2. Plantar Fasciitis.

3. Bony spurs.
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 2, 2016
Reviewed At February 16, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Heel Pain Causes Companion

How it works

Heel pain is a common issue with various underlying causes. Understanding these can help you discuss your symptoms more effectively with a healthcare professional.

1

Heel Pain
Overview

2

Plantar
Fasciitis

3

Achilles
Tendinitis

4

Bony
Spurs

5

Diabetes
Concerns

6

Initial
Care

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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