Heel Pain Symptoms

Contributor

By Jessica Lietz
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (0 Ratings)

Unsupportive shoes such as high heels are a cause of heel pain.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of heel pain are one of the most common causes of visits to doctors. Fortunately, heel pain symptoms are rarely a sign of a serious medical problem and can often be treated at home.

Types

Heel pain may develop slowly or suddenly and might feel like a dull ache; burning; or stabbing pains that may worsen after standing or walking.

Identification

A general physician, podiatrist or orthopedist diagnoses the cause of heel pain symptoms after examining feet and taking tests such as X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.

Effects

People with symptoms of heel pain may have difficulty walking or going about normal daily activities and may be unable to participate in hobbies such as running or exercising.

Considerations

Women who are pregnant, people who are overweight, runners and people who wear unsupportive shoes such as high heels or sandals are more likely to suffer from heel pain symptoms.

Treatments

Depending on the cause of heel pain, treatments for symptoms include rest, ice, elevation of the feet, pain relievers as recommended by a doctor, use of orthotics and surgery.

Prevention/Solution

Using proper technique when exercising, wearing supportive shoes that fit properly and exercising regularly to build strong leg muscles can prevent symptoms of heel pain.