Inflammation of the heel
There are several possible causes of inflammation of the heel. Characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the heel are local swelling, reddish irritated skin and pain on pressure. An inflammation (mild inflammatory response) is a normal natural response when soft tissues, muscles or tendons become irritated or damaged.
When tissue is damaged or irritated, the body will try and increase blood circulation to the area - this leads to pain, local swelling, heat development, reddish skin and pressure soreness. The swelling in the area can also lead to nerve compression, which we can see, among other things tarsal tunnel syndrome where the tibial nerve is pinched - a condition that can cause pain in the sole of the foot and heel.
Another possible cause of heel pain is plantar fascia. These symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the injury or irritation of the tissue. It is important to distinguish between inflammation (inflammation) and infection (bacterial or viral infection).
Scroll below for to watch a training video with exercises which can help you with inflammation of the heel.
VIDEO: 6 Exercises against Plantar Fascitis and Heel Pain
Did you know that plantar fascitis is the most common cause of heel pain? Maybe it is this diagnosis that gives you your heel pain? Below you will see a six-exercise workout video that will strengthen your arches, improve blood circulation in your feet and reduce heel pain.
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Causes of inflammation of the heel
As mentioned, inflammation or inflammation is a natural response from the immune system to repair an injury or irritation. This may occur due to overuse (without sufficient musculature to perform the task) or due to minor injuries.
Here are some diagnoses that can cause inflammation or inflammation of the heel:
Achilles bursitis (Achilles tendon mucosa)
Fat Pad Inflammation (typically causes pain in the fat pad under the heel)
Heel spurs (causes pain in the underside of the foot blade, usually just in front of the heel)
Plantar fascite (causes pain in the foot leaf, along the plantar fascia from the protrusion of the heel)
rheumatism (the pain depends on which joints are affected)
Tarsal tunnel syndrome aka Tarsal tunnel syndrome (usually causes quite intense pain on the inside of the foot, sole of the foot or heel)
Retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel mucosal inflammation)
Who is affected by inflammation of the heel?
Absolutely everyone can be affected by an inflammation of the heel - as long as the activity or load exceeds what the soft tissue or muscles can withstand.
Those who increase their training too quickly, especially in jogging, sports, weightlifting and especially those with high repetitive strain on the foot and ankle are most exposed - especially if the majority of the load is on hard ground. Malpositions in the feet (overpronation and flatfoot) can also be a contributing factor to the development of inflammation in the heel.
Symptoms of inflammation of the heel
Pain and symptoms will depend on the extent to which the heel has an inflammatory reaction. We remind you again that an inflammation and an infection are two completely different things - if you get a severe inflammatory reaction with heat development, fever and pus in the area, then you have an infection, but we will go into more detail in another article.
Typical symptoms of inflammation include:
- Local swelling
Reddish, irritated skin
- Painful when pressing / touching
Diagnosis of inflammation of the heel
A clinical study will be based on storytelling and a study. This will show reduced movement in the affected area and local tenderness.
Normally you will not need further diagnostic imaging - but in certain cases, a diagnostic imaging examination may be relevant to check whether an injury or other is the cause of the swelling or blood tests.
Diagnostic examination of inflammation of the heel (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)
An X-ray can rule out any fracture damage. En MRI examination can show if there is any damage to tendons or structures in the area - it can also show a possible thickening of or damage in plantar fascia (tendon under foot leaf).
Treatment of inflammation of the heel
The main purpose of treating inflammation in the heel is to remove any cause of the inflammation and then let the heel heal itself.
As mentioned earlier, an inflammation is a completely natural repair process where the body increases blood circulation to the area to ensure faster healing - unfortunately it is the case that sometimes the body can do a slightly good job and it may then be necessary with icing, anti-inflammatory laser and possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs (we remind you that overuse of NSAIDS can lead to a reduced repair in the area) to alleviate this reaction somewhat.
Cold treatment can provide pain relief against sore joints and muscles, even in the foot. Blue. Biofreeze (opens in a new window) is a popular natural product. One should always try conservative treatment for a long time before resorting to invasive surgery (surgery and surgery), but in some cases this is the only way out. Direct conservative measures can be:
- Foot care (foot care and physical therapy can provide pain relief)
- Rest (take a break from what caused the injury)
- Compression socks
RELATED PRODUCT / HEALTH Pain Relief: - Compression sock
This compression sock is specially made to give pressure to the right points for foot problems. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and increased healing in those who suffer from reduced function in the feet - which can reduce how long it takes for your feet to normalize again.
- New shoes (do your shoes have good enough heel support and shock absorption?)
- Insole (this can lead to a more correct load on the foot and foot)
- Toe support / hallux valgus support (for more correct use of the whole foot)
RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Hallux Valgus Support
Plagued with hallux valgus (crooked big toe) and / or bone growth (bunion) on the big toe? Then these can be part of the solution to your problem!
Exercises and stretching
What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?
1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the body and aching muscles.
2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:
3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.
4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.
5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).
Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain
Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)
Exercises for inflammation in the heel
Earlier in the article, we showed you a training video with six good exercises that can help you with your heel pain. Did you see it?
One should try to cut out too much weight-bearing exercise if one is afflicted with inflammation in the heel. Replace jogging with swimming, elliptical machine or exercise bike. Also, make sure that you stretch your foot and train your feet lightly as shown this article.
Also read: - Pain in the heel? You should know this!
NEXT PAGE: Pressure wave treatment - something against the inflammation you have in the heel?
Click the image above to read more about pressure wave therapy.
Asked questions about inflammation of the heel
Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below.
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I have had constant inflammation in the tendon attachment to the heel. Is there good experience with surgery?
Hi Ole,
No, not specifically and this means that the condition becomes chronic due to possible formation of scar tissue / damaged tissue.
It is also recommended that you use compression sock (to stimulate blood circulation to the inflamed area and thus affect the healing in a positive way) and pressure wave treatment (not invasive treatment method, but established clinical effect against heel pain).
Regular use of self-massage under the foot blade is also recommended.
Sincerely,
Nicolay v / Vondt.net