Heel Pain
Medical Considerations for Heel Pain
A recent study co-authored by IPFH Scientific Advisory Board Member Rock Positano, DPM, MSc, MPH showed that among patients presenting with plantar heel pain, plantar fasciitis was diagnosed in 73%. Plantar fibromas were found in 51%. Additionally, concurrent plantar fibroma and plantar fascial thickening was found in 36%. Of the feet that were negative for plantar fasciitis on ultrasound, 57% revealed the presence of plantar fibroma. The study showed that diagnostic ultrasound can effectively and safely identify the prevalence of various types of heel pain. The high prevalence of some heel conditions cannot be determined by clinical examination alone, and, therefore, ultrasound evaluation is desirable for confirmations of diagnoses.
It is also important to note that if heel pain is accompanied by any symptoms of swelling or inflammation (such as redness or warmth), a visit to your doctor or a foot health professional is warranted. Always talk to your doctor if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of problems in any area of your feet that persist for more than a few days.