Pain above the heel

General

Pain in the area of heel are triggered in most cases by the Achilles tendon. Inflammation, Distant Spurs or Bursitis lead to irritation and severe pain, especially in the area above the heel. The heel is a part of the foot that places on a relatively small contact surface high loading pressure lies.
Strong tendons and especially those Achilles tendon As the strongest tendon in the body, the foot and the Leg axis perpendicular to hold and to enable optimal power transmission. When taking a step, the heel is the first part that hits the ground. At the Heel bone is attached to the Achilles tendon and connects the foot to the Calf muscles.

By Overloads the Achilles tendon through sporting activities or unusual movements as well as through Incorrect loads Malpositions of the feet or legs can lead to inflammatory processes in the area above the heel. The inflammation is accompanied by severe pain and leads to structural changes the Achilles tendon. The tendon can thin out due to the chronic inflammation and in extreme cases even tear.

Symptoms

The symptoms of complaints above the heel can vary greatly, depending on whether the Acute or chronic pain occur. In acute inflammation of the Achilles tendon, it usually occurs sharp pain with loads such as running, jumping and walking. Also, the area above the heel can be swell, as well as reddened and warmed up be. If the inflammation has already become chronic, pain often occurs in the morning with the first steps. These often decrease with further movement, but can increase again with greater activity or at rest.

In the course of the Achilles tendon Sometimes certain painful points can be felt, and thickening or rubbing of the tendon can also be felt. If the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon on the calcaneus is inflamed, pain occurs especially when walking uphill. A Bursitis mostly makes itself through one severe pressure pain, which is very easy to localize, noticeable.

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

• Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
  Kaiserstrasse 14
  60311 Frankfurt am Main

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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

causes

Mainly imbalances in the muscular system, weak ligaments in the ankle joints, deformities of the foot or systemic diseases of the musculoskeletal system lead to pain above the heel. This leads to excessive or incorrect loading of the Achilles tendon, which is irritated and can become acutely inflamed.
In extreme cases, the Achilles tendon can even tear. Constant overloading of the Achilles tendon often leads to chronic inflammation, known as tendinitis. The inflammation leads to tissue damage and the tendon cracks. Sports activities are often the cause of the overloading of the Achilles tendon. But structural changes to the heel can also lead to pain above the heel. For example, an overbone can develop on the calcaneus bone that causes discomfort.

In many cases, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon turns into bursitis, which causes additional pain. In addition, an upper or rear heel spur can form. This is understood to be a bony extension at the transition from the tendon to the bone.

therapy

The treatment of pain above the heel depends on the cause, location and the duration and extent of the symptoms. When a acute inflammatory reaction The trigger for the pain is a rest and Several weeks of exercise break recommended for the Achilles tendon. Refrigeration applications are perceived as pleasant and can pain reliever For example, a regular cold shower or bath in the affected area is helpful.

The short-term use of pain reliever drugs (e.g. Paracetamol) is also a suitable method for severe pain. Easy physiotherapy exercises make sense as long as they are carried out in a controlled and instructed manner. This keeps the ankle in motion and does not stiffen due to the rest.

The therapy is different for one chronic inflammation in the heel area. Physiotherapy techniques such as connective tissue massages, foot and calf exercises, as well as orthopedic aids for the foot play a role. Especially insoles and special shoe adjustments such as raised heels that compensate for different leg lengths can be simple aids to alleviate the discomfort.

In rarer cases, surgical therapies are also used. Inflamed Achilles tendon tissue can surgically removed or a torn tendon can be sewn together. Also Bony prominences (e.g. an over leg) can be removed by a surgeon. However, in most cases, the conservative measures be exhausted. If the inflammation and symptoms persist several months after conservative treatment, surgical therapy should be considered.

diagnosis

For the diagnosis of pain in the heel area, especially the elevation of the Medical history (Medical history) and physical exam play a role. Not just the heel and the Achilles tendon be examined, but also the overall posture that Joint mobility, the Muscle strength and the gait pattern.

The function of nerves is also usually based on Reflexes and the examination of Feeling perceptions (Sensitivity) examined. Depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms, further diagnostic measures may be necessary. Certain laboratory analyzes or imaging procedures can make the diagnosis easier. In the area of ​​the foot and heel are especially those Ultrasonic- and X-ray examination significant. For more specific questions or as part of a planned operation, a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, magnetic resonance) or Computed Tomography be performed. Also one Jointoscopy (Arthroscopy) may be needed in some cases to get to the bottom of the cause of the heel pain. Under certain circumstances, the underlying problem can also be corrected as part of the jointoscopy.

Please also read our topic on this 'MRI of the Achilles tendon'

prophylaxis

Around Foot discomfort there are a few to prevent simple assistancethat you should pay attention to. For example, that should Body weight in the normal range because the human ankles have to withstand strong pressure. When overweight it comes to Signs of wear and tear not only in the area of ​​the feet.

Regular physical activity, one balanced nutrition and No nicotine are also important because these things make the Blood circulation in the feet is increased. On suitable footwear In everyday life and during sports you should pay attention, for example this is Wearing high heels not recommended for a healthy Achilles tendon.