Beyond Plantar Fasciitis: 3 Rare Forms of Heel Pain

Heel pain comes in all kinds of forms, and while plantar fasciitis often steals the spotlight, a few rarer culprits can also cause chronic aches. That can complicate things; without the effective diagnosis of an expert DPM, the source of your discomfort might remain a mystery, making it that much harder to treat.

Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help you stay informed, no matter the rarity or the complexity of what’s ailing you. With that in mind, here’s a peek into three uncommon yet treatable causes of heel pain.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:

• This condition involves compression on the posterior tibial nerve (the foot’s main highway for sensation) and leads to tingling, numbness, and stabbing pain radiating from the heel.
• Affecting only 0.7% to 4.6% of the population, this sneaky ailment often mimics plantar fasciitis. However, a podiatrist’s trained eye can differentiate the two through nerve conduction studies and diagnostic injections.
• Treatment options range from splinting and anti-inflammatory medications to, in severe cases, surgical decompression of the nerve.

Osteomyelitis:

• Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungus sneaking in through breaks, wounds, or even spreading from other infections.
• While rare, with only 2-11 cases per 10,000 people, it’s a serious condition.
• Early diagnosis is crucial. Persistent throbbing pain, redness, swelling, and fever can be warning signs.
• DPMs can work closely with infectious disease specialists to diagnose and treat osteomyelitis through antibiotics or surgery to remove infected bone.

Paget’s Disease:

• Paget’s affects around 2% of people over 50, and it involves abnormal bone resorption and formation.
• These, in turn, can lead to enlarged, deformed bones, often in the heel.
• While pain isn’t always present, fractures, joint stiffness, and nerve compression can occur. Podiatrists often manage Paget’s disease with bisphosphonates, medications that slow down bone turnover and alleviate symptoms.
• In severe cases, surgery might be necessary for joint replacement or fracture repair.

Whatever your podiatric ailment might be, Dr. Kenneth Wilhelm has the expertise, experience, and tools to effectively treat it. If you’re concerned about any of the issues above or heel pain in general, please contact our Centreville podiatry office for more advice by calling (703) 996-300. You can also make an appointment online.