Medical Questions » Feet Questions » Question No. 357
| Question: | I have severe pain under my heel. It is making it very difficult to walk, and I spend a lot of time on my feet in my job. What could be the cause? |
| Answer: | Pain under the heel is one of the most common problems seen by a GP. It can be caused by a spur on the bottom of the heel bone, by inflammation of the large fibrous band that maintains the atch of the foot, or from damage to the heel tissues from running on hard surfaces. Joggers are particularly susceptible to heel pain, and should ensure that they wear good running shoes, and run on grass rather than roads.
Rest is the most important part of treatment. Swimming and cycling can be substituted for exercise while the damaged tissue recovers. Anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor may ease the discomfort, but some patients require injections of steroids into the heel. These are very successful in curing what can become a chronic problem, although they may be rather painful to receive. Many doctors inject local anaesthetic with the steroid to minimise the discomfort.
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