Heel pain
Questions in this subject
- How do I take care of myself if I have heel spurs?
- How do healthcare providers diagnose heel spurs?
- How common is heel fat pad atrophy?
- What's the difference between heel fat pad syndrome and plantar fasciitis?
- Will I need surgery for my heel spur?
- What causes heel pad syndrome?
- What are risk factors for heel spurs?
- Can heel fat pad syndrome be cured?
- What is a heel spur?
You want to be back on your feet for a full shift or a long walk without the first step each morning stopping you. A heel problem has several names, so start with the one that is most common. Cleveland Clinic says plantar fasciitis is inflammation in the plantar fascia in your foot. It says plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.
Terms to settle first
Heel spurs, heel pad syndrome and plantar fasciitis are easy to mix up. These two questions pin the words down.
Why it happens and how often
These questions ask who is likely to be affected and why, so you can compare your own history with what is published.
- What causes heel pad syndrome?
- What are risk factors for heel spurs?
- How common is heel fat pad atrophy?
What comes next
These questions cover finding out what is wrong, what the options are, and what you can do yourself while you wait.
- How do healthcare providers diagnose heel spurs?
- Will I need surgery for my heel spur?
- Can heel fat pad syndrome be cured?
- How do I take care of myself if I have heel spurs?
Two public references to keep open
Readers in Elmwood Park who want a second source can compare the NHS page on plantar fasciitis with the OrthoInfo page on plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.
The check before the next step up
Before a longer walk or a full shift, note how the first steps of the morning feel and how the heel feels at the end of the day. Take both notes to whoever examines your foot.