Pain in the back of the heel: Causes and treatment options by location, from the center to the arch.

Pain in the back of your heel: Don't endure it. Get an accurate diagnosis.

 

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in the back of your heel or sole when you got out of bed in the morning and took your first steps?

It's easy to think that it's simply because you're tired, but if these symptoms recur, you should consider a condition that causes 'pain in the back of the heel.'

 

In particular, plantar fasciitis is a representative cause, and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, so accurate diagnosis and management are necessary from the beginning.

 

 

What are the causes of pain in the back of the heel?

 

1) Plantar fasciitis

• 
  - Pain on the inside of the heel is characteristic, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or immediately after getting up after sitting for a long time.
  - Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, and activities on hard surfaces.
  - Most cases improve with stretching, insoles, and physical therapy alone.

 

2) Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

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  - When the nerves on the inside of the ankle are compressed, numbness and burning sensation occur throughout the sole of the foot and down to the toes.
  - It may be caused by flat feet, bone spurs, diabetes, or edema.
  - When a nerve is compressed, it is accompanied by pain similar to electrical stimulation, and if it is severe after conservative treatment, surgery is considered.

 

3) Calcaneal Stress Fracture

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  - Microfractures develop in the heel bone, causing severe pain with every step.
  - Diagnosis is made with MRI or X-ray, and immobilization and rest are required.

 

4) Morton's Neuroma

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  - The nerves between the toes thicken, causing a tingling pain and a feeling of pressure in the toes.
  - It is worse in tight shoes and high heels.
  - Pads, injections, and surgical treatments are used.

 

Pain in the back of the foot, once thought to be simply muscle fatigue, can be linked to a variety of conditions.

especially Pain in the center of the foot Ina arch pain If it spreads to , it may be a more serious cause, so you should be careful.

 

 

 

Where should I go for foot pain?

 

If symptoms recur, first of all Orthopedics or Rehabilitation Medicine I recommend you visit.

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  - Physical examination: Press on the foot to determine the location of pain.
  - X-ray examination: Check for bone deformities and osteophytes
  - Ultrasound examination: Check plantar fascia thickness and inflammation
  - MRI examination: Differentiation of stress fractures and nerve compression
•  

In the following cases, you must seek medical attention.

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  ✅ When pain persists throughout the day, not just in the morning
  ✅ When the pain spreads to the entire foot or is accompanied by numbness or tingling
  ✅ When pain appears in the center of the sole or arch of the sole
  ✅ When there is no improvement despite self-care for more than 3 months

 

 

Treatment for Heel Pain: Surgery Isn't the Only Solution

 

Fortunately, in most cases, non-surgical treatment alone can provide sufficient improvement.

 

1) Life management

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  - Foot stretching in the morning and evening
  - Use shoes with good shock absorption and arch support insoles
  - Weight control and sufficient rest
•  

 

2) Physical therapy & medication

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  - Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers
  - Hot pack, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation therapy
  - Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) treatment
•  

3) Injection treatment

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  - Rapid pain relief possible with steroid injections
  - However, caution is required as repetition may weaken the fascia.
  - PRP injection (autologous platelet therapy) can also be used
•  

4) Surgical treatment

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  - Performed when there is no improvement for more than 6 months despite conservative treatment
  - Minimal procedures such as partial incision of the plantar fascia and nerve decompression

 

 

 

Prevention is the best cure

 

If you already have pain, management is important, but improving your lifestyle habits for prevention is also essential.

• 
  - Do foot stretching regularly at least twice a day.
  - Reduce pressure on the feet by preventing weight gain
  - Replace old shoes and use custom insoles.
  - Reduce the habit of walking barefoot on hard floors

 

 

 

conclusion

 

Pain in the back of the heel is common, but should never be taken lightly.

It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel stress fractures, and neuroma, and can also be accompanied by pain in the center of the sole and arch of the foot.

 

Most cases can be cured without surgery with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle management. Therefore, if symptoms recur, we strongly recommend that you visit a specialized hospital for treatment.

 

 

 

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