Heel pain (ICD-10-GM M79.62: Pain in extremities: ankle and foot [tarsal, metatarsal, toes, ankle, other joints of the foot]) is pain occurring in the heel. The pain may occur not only with exertion, but also at rest.
Heel pain can be a symptom of many diseases (see under differential diagnoses).
Heel pain is often caused by diseases with a local origin. They are often the result of unfavorable weight distribution and pressure load, among other things due to foot malpositions.
The prevalence (disease frequency) for plantar heel pain (pain under the heel) is 3.6-7.5%. Approximately 40% of adults have foot problems (USA).
Progression and Prognosis: Heel pain can severely limit the sufferer in their daily life due to the resulting difficulty in walking. In the majority, heel pain has harmless causes. It is not uncommon for incorrect or too tight footwear to trigger the pain in the foot. However, if the heel pain lasts longer or occurs suddenly, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification. Likewise, if the ankle is swollen or overheated.
