Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Heel pain describes a painful sensation over the back part of the foot, behind the arch and below the ankle. The pain may be pressing, sharp, burning or dull in nature.
Generally, Heel pain can be related to:
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with the skin disorder Psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness are typical signs of Psoriatic Arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an chronic inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. Although the cause is unknown, certain genetic factors are believed to be involved.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
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Q.
What Could Be Causing My Heel Pain? Is Heel Pain Connected to Internal Organ Dysfunction?
A.
Heel pain can arise from various causes, with the most common being musculoskeletal issues such as plantar fasciitis. While heel pain is primarily related to foot and ankle problems, it can sometimes be associated with internal organ dysfunction, although this is less common. Understanding the potential causes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Tu P. Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jan 15;97(2):86-93. PMID: 29365222.
Agyekum EK, Ma K. Heel pain: A systematic review. Chin J Traumatol. 2015;18(3):164-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2015.03.002. PMID: 26643244.
Koc TA Jr, Bise CG, Neville C, Carreira D, Martin RL, McDonough CM. Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Dec;53(12):CPG1-CPG39. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.0303. PMID: 38037331.
Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, Prior T, Griffiths IB, Rathleff MS, Gulle H, Vicenzino B, Barton CJ. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med. 2021 Oct;55(19):1106-1118. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970. Epub 2021 Mar 30. PMID: 33785535; PMCID: PMC8458083.
Tu P. Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jan 15;97(2):86-93. PMID: 29365222.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0115/p86.htmlNHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain/heel-pain/Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
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