Heel pain is a highly bothersome health issue, causing the patient to experience severe pain whenever their feet touch the ground. Treatment options vary between cold compresses, orthopedic shoe pads, corticosteroid medications, shockwave therapy, and surgery.
German alternative medicine specialist René Grieber explained that heel pain may be attributed to what is known as a heel spur, which is a spur-like protrusion that appears in the heel area, causing painful inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This spur can develop due to wearing inappropriate footwear or being overweight.
**Lack of Movement**
Orthopedic surgeon Thomas Schneider noted that heel pain may also stem from inflammation of the Achilles tendon located at the back of the ankle, which can occur due to excessive running, trauma, lack of movement, high-heeled shoes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
**Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome**
Other potential causes of heel pain include flat feet and "Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome," which occurs due to the narrowing of the tibial nerve passing through the foot. Risk factors leading to this narrowing include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and wearing unsuitable footwear.
**Shockwave Therapy and Surgery**
Schneider added that heel pain is diagnosed through various methods such as palpation, X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI. Treatment is determined based on the diagnosed cause; for example, a heel spur is initially treated with cold compresses and anti-inflammatory gel. If these methods do not yield results, shockwave therapy is used.
Flat feet are treated with orthopedic shoe pads that support the arch of the foot, along with exercises to strengthen the foot muscles.
Achilles tendonitis is initially treated with cold applications, medications, and orthopedic shoe pads. If the condition does not improve, shockwave therapy or surgery may be considered.
As for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, it is treated with corticosteroid medications. If the condition does not improve, surgery is then performed to address the narrowing of the tibial nerve.
