Diagnosing heel pain in adults

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Heel pain is a prevalent condition causing significant discomfort and disability in adults.
• Multiple factors, including soft tissue, osseous, and systemic disorders, contribute to heel pain.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the differential diagnosis of heel pain.
• To highlight common and less common causes of heel pain.
• To emphasize the importance of history and physical examination.

Main Methods:

• Review of common etiologies of heel pain.
• Correlation of symptoms with specific anatomical origins.
• Consideration of systemic and less frequent causes.

Main Results:

• Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of adult heel pain.
• Achilles tendonitis and calcaneal stress fractures are other common causes.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel pad atrophy, and systemic conditions are less common but important considerations.

Conclusions:

• A thorough history and physical examination are essential for diagnosing heel pain.
• Recognizing the diverse causes of heel pain guides appropriate treatment.
• Prompt evaluation is necessary for unexplained or persistent heel pain.