WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND TREATMENTS FOR PAIN IN THE HEEL AND BACK OF THE FOOT?
The heel is the largest bone in the foot. Heel pain is the most common foot problem and affects two million Americans every year. It can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel. General treatment guidelines are follows: • The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain. One study found that 95% of women who used an insert and did simple stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia experienced improvement after eight weeks. • If these treatments fail, the patient may need prescription heel orthotics and extended physical therapy. • Heel surgery to relieve pain may be performed for heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or neuroma. • Surgery is not recommended until nonsurgical methods have failed for at least six months and preferably up to 12 months. Nonsurgical treatments for heel pain are effective in 90% of patients. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis occ
