After the localization | Pain in the back of the heel

After the localization

Pain on the inside of the heel is less common than pain on the back of the heel.Causes can be a so-called kink-lowering foot, which is caused by a weakness of the ankle ligaments and usually exists since childhood. Also possible is an inflammation/irritation of the tendons of the sole of the foot, such as “plantar fasciitis” (inflammation of the sole of the foot fascia). Another possible cause is a painful pressure point on the inside of the heel caused by unsuitable shoes.

Pain on the outside of the heel is rather rare. Possible causes here are pain at the back of the heel, which radiates outwards. Foot ligament injuries are significantly more frequent on the outside than on the inside, which is why an injury to the rear outer ligament is a possible cause. This typically results in simultaneous swelling and bruising. If the complaints are mainly expressed by a tingling sensation, it is possible that the large foot nerve, which runs along the outer ankle, is pinched or irritated.

Associated symptoms

Frequent accompanying symptoms of pain in the rear heel are skin changes (e.g. cornea), pressure points, blisters, swelling, protrusions, limping, redness and a radiating of the pain into the calf or sole of the foot. If the pain is due to a high sporting load, pain in the other foot usually occurs simultaneously. A hard bulge at the back of the heel with pain due to pressure and strain is more likely to indicate a heel spur, a Haglund’s heel or apophysitis calcanei.

Swelling is usually an accompanying symptom of inflammation or irritation. In this case an inflamed or injured Achilles tendon is more likely. An additional pain in the sole of the foot is also possible and can be caused by a peroneal tendon syndrome or an irritation of the arch of the foot.

Diagnosis

In case of pain in the heel, the family doctor or an orthopaedic surgeon is usually the first port of call. They can usually make a diagnosis with just a few questions and a physical examination. In rare cases, an X-ray or even an imaging diagnosis, such as an MRI, is also made. If it is still unclear why the symptoms persist, it is possible that the patient will wait to see whether the pain will improve on its own while taking it easy. Depending on the diagnosis, different treatments may be considered, which are discussed with the respective doctor after the diagnosis.