Pain in Back Heel of Foot

Pain in Back Heel of Foot is usually due to Achilles tendinitis or a Haglund’s deformity. Both present as swollen painful areas in the back of the foot!

Most Likely

• Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is usually not related to a specific cause or injury. It can happen gradually due to overuse in the back of the heel. It onsets gradually, but one day it will really start to bother you.

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness in the morning.
• It can worsen with activity.
• Severe pain the morning after exercising.
• Swelling and pain along the achilles tendons.

• Heel Lump or Bump

This is also known as a hagland’s bump. This is actually the formation of a hard stiff bony prominence from the back of your heel that can push against the back of your shoe.

Symptoms:

• Hard bony bump.
• Pinches the skin when you put on shoes.
• Swelling in the back of the heel.
• Red inflammation.

• Painful Foot Arch

A Painful Foot Arch is caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This is overused and inflamed tissue at the bottom of your foot. Learn how to treat it.

Symptoms:

• Pain along the arch or bottom of the heel.
• Worse in the morning and after rest.
• Better with massaging, icing and 30 minutes of movement.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The posterior tibial nerve runs along the back and inside of the ankle. If it is constricted you will feel feel numbness, burning and tingling.

Symptoms:

• Numbness, burning and tingling.
• Sharp, shooting pain.
• Radiates as you press against the nerve.

• Heel Spur

Heel Spur pain is similar to arch pain or plantar fasciitis. It is the result of the ligaments at the bottom of the foot stretching the heel bone. It eventually over years forms a spur.

Symptoms:

• Pain along the arch or bottom of the heel.
• Worse in the morning and after rest.
• Better with massaging, icing and 30 minutes of movement.

• Bruised Heel

Bruising of the heel is very similar  results in an injury to the cushioning at the bottom of your heel. This is common in older people. It can lead to aching under the heel bone.

Symptoms:

• Chronic aching pain.
• Gets worse with more activity.

• Stress Fracture of the Calcaneus:

This can happen without a traumatic injury. Usually in people who have increased their activity recently! There is little inflammation like in plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms:

• Chronic aching pain.
• Gets worse with more activity.

Less Common

1. Broken Heel (Calcaneal Fracture)
2. Posterior Impingement Syndrome
3. Sever’s Disease (Traction Apophysitis at Achilles Insertion onto Calcaneous)
4. Achilles Bursitis
5. Referred pain from Neural Structures or Lumbar Spine

Good luck with your Pain in Back Heel of Foot!