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What Causes Swelling And Pain In Heels?
Question: I wear a lot of sandals, even during winter, Ughs and go barefoot also. Last week the inside of my left (foot) arch near the heel suddenly started to ache severely. I soaked it in very hot water with epsom salts. It eased and I resumed normal activity. The pain came roaring back 3 days ago and I can barely get around. I bought some sandals with heavy arch support but the pain continues. There is minor swelling and if I press the area there is pain. I have curtailed my walking and am taking Aleve. What is going on and what should I do?
Brief Answer:
Inflammation of joints likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The presence of swelling and pain on pressing is suggestive of an inflammation in the area. This can be due to an inflammation of the joints of the arch of the foot. Inflammation of the plantar fascia is also likely.
A short term rest and oral anti inflammatory drugs are required to take care of the inflammation.
To help the pain, do hot compress the area immediately after getting up in the morning. Hot compress for 10 or 15 minutes. To reduce inflammation, take Aleve or ibuprofen at mealtime.
A 4-inch wide Crepe bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.
Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening addresses the biomechanical problems and reduces pain.
Avoid wearing sandals and keep the foot elevated on a pillow while resting.
If the pain does not resolve, an injection of cortisone can decrease the inflammation.
You may need few physiotherapy sessions along with prescription anti inflammatory drugs after getting yourself examined from an Orthopedician.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Inflammation of joints likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The presence of swelling and pain on pressing is suggestive of an inflammation in the area. This can be due to an inflammation of the joints of the arch of the foot. Inflammation of the plantar fascia is also likely.
A short term rest and oral anti inflammatory drugs are required to take care of the inflammation.
To help the pain, do hot compress the area immediately after getting up in the morning. Hot compress for 10 or 15 minutes. To reduce inflammation, take Aleve or ibuprofen at mealtime.
A 4-inch wide Crepe bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.
Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening addresses the biomechanical problems and reduces pain.
Avoid wearing sandals and keep the foot elevated on a pillow while resting.
If the pain does not resolve, an injection of cortisone can decrease the inflammation.
You may need few physiotherapy sessions along with prescription anti inflammatory drugs after getting yourself examined from an Orthopedician.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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