Doctor's Response

Date:Oct / 2011

Thank you for your question.

Hi, heel pain can be really debilitating. By far, the commonest cause in adults is plantar fasciitis.

www.patient.co.uk/health/Plantar-Fasciitis.htm

This leaflet really explains it very well, but it is basically inflammation in the thick substance that holds the sole of your foot together (the fascia). It is very common in the age group 40-60 and gives people pain in their heel or heels especially first thing in the morning or after pronlonged sitting.

Treatments include anti-inflammatories, as long as you can take them with no side effects such as heartburn or wheeze. Well supporting shoes such as running shoes sometimes help. Your GP can refer you to a podiatrist for assessment for shoe inserts to be made specifically for your feet. As a last resort some people choose to have a steroid injection into their heel which sometimes works really well. SOME but not all GP's offer this service, if yours doesn't they should be able to refer you to someone who does.

Other causes of heel pain are much less common; infection, referred pain from sciatica, fractures, (usually there would be a history of a fall from a height onto your heels) or achilles problems.

I would try the exercises in the leaflet if plantar fasciitis sounds like it matches your symptoms, and / or go and see your GP for further help.

Good luck!

Thank you for using ThanksDr. I do hope this information is of use to you.
Yours faithfully,
The ThanksDr Team