These symptoms indicate an inflammation of the periosteum at the heel

An inflammation of the periosteum at the heel causes typical inflammatory symptoms. The affected heel is usually swollen, reddened and warmed. The mobility of the foot is restricted and the heel is extremely painful under pressure and causes severe pain when moved.

In the case of a severe inflammation, the pain in the heel can already occur at rest, i.e. without any stress on the affected foot. The pain subsides with the healing process. If you start doing sports again too early, the pain will increase again and the inflammation will flare up.

In addition, the patients often suffer from a starting pain that occurs after a longer break during exercise. If a person sits or lies down for a longer period of time and then wants to start walking and suddenly pain shoots into the heel during movement, this is called tarnishing pain. Start-up pain is a possible symptom of periosteitis in the heel. The pain is often described as dull and subsides with movement.

Diagnosis

First of all, the physician conducts a conversation with the person concerned about the symptoms, the course of the illness and concomitant diseases. Then the affected heel is physically examined, typically in a side by side comparison with the healthy heel. During palpation, the physician can determine the inflammation on the basis of the classic signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, warming, (pressure) pain and restricted movement. In most cases, a blood test is also performed. Rarely are further diagnostic measures, such as X-rays, necessary to diagnose periostitis.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the inflammation of the periosteum at the heel, a specific treatment follows. For example, if there is a bacterial inflammation, antibiotic therapy is necessary to eliminate the bacteria. In the case of overloading due to intensive, sporting activities, immobilization, cooling and pain treatment are necessary.

It is advisable to take painkillers that also have an anti-inflammatory effect, for example drugs with the active ingredient ibuprofen or diclofenac. It is very important to take care of the body until it is completely healed.Immobilization of the heel and physical rest are important aspects of healing osteomyelitis of the heel. The healing process can be long, depending on the cause and treatment.

If you continue training too early, the inflammation often relapses. Therefore it is important to start training again slowly only after the symptoms have completely subsided. Tape can be used in case of periostitis at the heel to stabilize the tissue and build up tension.

The tension should promote blood circulation and healing. It is not a measure that leads to a healing of the periosteal inflammation. Nevertheless, the heel can be taped if it feels good for the person affected and may even relieve pain when moving.