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Mayo Clinic Housecall
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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffSee your doctor immediately if you have:
- Severe pain and swelling near your heel
- Inability to bend your foot downward, rise on your toes or walk normally
- Heel pain with fever or numbness or tingling in your heel
Schedule an office visit if you have:
- Heel pain that continues when you're not walking or standing
- Pain that lasts longer than a month, even after you've tried rest, ice and other home treatments
Self-care
Heel pain often goes away on its own with home care. For heel pain that isn't severe, try the following:
- Rest. If possible, avoid activities that put stress on your heels, such as running, standing for long periods or walking on hard surfaces.
- Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
- New shoes. Be sure your shoes fit properly and provide plenty of support. If you're an athlete, choose shoes appropriate for your sport and replace them regularly.
- Foot supports. Heel cups or wedges that you buy in the drugstore often provide relief. Custom-made orthotics usually aren't needed for heel problems.
- Over-the-counter pain medications. Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) can reduce inflammation and pain.
References
- Sheon RP, et al. Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel and sole pain. http//www.uptodate.come/home/index.html. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Aldridge T. Diagnosing heel pain in adults. American Family Physician. 2004;70:332.
- Heel pain. American Podiatric Medical Association. http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/FootHealthBrochures/GeneralFootHealthBrochures/HeelPain.aspx. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Heel pain. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00159. Accessed April 14, 2010.
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