The Heel Pain Questionnaire: What Could Be Causing Your Discomfort?
Heel pain is a very common complaint, sending many people searching for answers online. But “heel pain” isn’t a single diagnosis – it’s a symptom with many potential root causes.
Figuring out why your heel hurts is the first step toward finding effective relief. This questionnaire is designed to help you understand the potential sources of your pain based on how and when it occurs, courtesy of the team at The Foot Center Inc.
The Heel Pain Questionnaire:
1. Does your heel pain… stab you with those first steps in the morning or after sitting?
- It might be… Plantar Fasciitis! This is the classic sign of inflammation in the thick tissue band (plantar fascia) on the sole of your foot. The fascia tightens during rest, causing pain when stretched upon standing.
2. Is the pain primarily… at the back of your heel, possibly aching or tight, and worse with activity?
- It might be… Achilles Tendonitis! This points to inflammation of the large Achilles tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone.
3. Do you feel… burning, tingling, or numbness along with the heel pain?
- It might be… Nerve Involvement! Sensations like these suggest a nerve might be irritated or compressed, potentially from conditions like Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome or Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment.
4. Did the pain start… suddenly after an injury (like a fall or jump) with significant swelling/bruising and difficulty bearing weight?
- It might be… a fracture! You need to rule out a heel bone (calcaneal) fracture or stress fracture. This requires prompt medical evaluation.
5. Is there… a noticeable, tender bump on the back of your heel, often irritated by shoes?
- It might be… Haglund’s Deformity (“Pump Bump”)! This is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone itself.
6. Is the heel pain… in an active child or teenager, often worse after sports?
- It might be… Sever’s Disease! This is a common cause related to inflammation of the heel bone’s growth plate during growth spurts.
Important Note: This is a (short) guide, not a diagnosis. Many conditions have overlapping symptoms, so check with your podiatrist for a complete answer!
Why Seeing a Podiatrist Is Essential
Self-diagnosing heel pain can lead to ineffective or delayed treatment. Only a podiatrist has the expertise and tools (like X-rays or ultrasound) to determine the exact cause of your pain accurately, so get in touch and step toward relief today!
The Foot Center, Inc. provides comprehensive podiatric care for all your foot and ankle needs. Led by experienced and compassionate podiatrists Dr. Noel Patel and Dr. William Eng, our team provides personalized treatment plans using the latest techniques and technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations: Richmond, Colonial Heights, Henrico-East End, Chester, and Kilmarnock.
