Foot pain, in general, can make it challenging to go about daily activities. Every time you take a step, your feet bear the weight of your entire body. So, when you experience sharp heel pain or pain in the arch of your foot, it can be debilitating, thereby reducing your quality of life. This type of pain can make it difficult to stand, walk, or even wear shoes comfortably. There are a lot of potential causes for sharp foot pain. Fortunately, there are also many treatment options available. We target the underlying neurological factors that may be causing your heel pain.
Exploring The Anatomy Of The Foot
The foot is a complex structure comprising many different bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The calcaneus (the heel bone) is the foot’s biggest bone and plays a vital role in supporting your body weight while walking or standing. The arch of the foot works as a shock absorber and helps distribute your body weight evenly.
Because the foot is connected to the rest of the body through a network of muscles and tendons, any pain or discomfort in the heel can affect your overall movement and posture, leading to other issues such as knee, hip, or back pain.
How Sharp Pain Under The Heel Or Foot Arch Feels
Sharp pain under the heel or in the foot arch can be described as a sudden, intense, stabbing sensation. It may feel like someone is poking a knife into your foot or placing a sharp object directly on the bottom of your heel. Heel pain ranges from mild to severe and can occur with every step you take.
Apart from sharp pain, you may also experience tenderness or swelling in the heel or arch area. In some cases, the pain may radiate to other parts of the foot, causing discomfort and difficulty walking or standing.
Possible Conditions Associated With Heel Pain
Several conditions can cause sharp pain under the heel or in the foot arch. Many of these are inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues in the foot, leading to pain and discomfort. Some of the common conditions include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. It usually occurs due to repetitive strain or overuse, causing micro-tears in the fascia and leading to sharp pain in the heel.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause heel pain. It occurs when the immune system attacks the joint’s tissues, causing inflammation and damage. In some cases, this can affect the joints in the foot, leading to sharp pain under the heel or in the arch. Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints. It commonly affects the big toe, but it can also lead to pain and swelling in other joints, including the heel. Gout pain is often described as sharp and excruciating. Gout can occur due to various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. It is more common in men and people with a family history of the condition.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves. The purpose of these nerves is to carry signals from the spinal cord and brain to the rest of your body. As a result, it can cause sharp pain in the feet and hands. There are several underlying conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.
Bursitis
Bursitis refers to bursae inflammation. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that function as cushions between bones and soft tissues. It can occur in any joint, including the heel, and can cause sharp pain and tenderness. Bursitis may be caused by overuse or injury to the affected area.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It can develop as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, such as the urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract. Reactive arthritis can cause joint pain and swelling, including the heels.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A type of arthritis that usually affects the spine, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause heel pain. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints in the spine, leading to inflammation and pain. In some cases, it may also affect other joints in the body, including the heels. This can happen if the condition causes Achilles tendon inflammation.
Strains and Sprains
Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage in the foot can also cause sharp pain under the heel or in the arch. These injuries are commonly associated with physical activities that involve jumping, running, or sudden changes in direction.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is when the posterior tibial nerve (which is the nerve that runs along the inside of the ankle and into the foot) becomes compressed or damaged. This can cause sharp pain, numbness, and tingling in the heel and other parts of the foot.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Issues with the lower back, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can cause nerve compression and lead to sharp pain in the feet. This is known as lumbar radiculopathy and can also cause other symptoms like weakness or numbness.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that can appear on the heel bone due to excessive strain or pressure. They may not always cause pain, but in some cases, they can lead to sharp pain under the heel.
Diagnosing The Pain Under The Heel Or Arch Of The Foot
If you are experiencing sharp pain under the heel or in the foot arch, you should visit your physician so they can diagnose the cause and begin treatment. They will review your medical history and may ask about your daily activities and any recent injuries. They will then do a physical exam of your heel.
In some cases, X-rays or MRIs may be necessary to get a better look at the structures in your foot and rule out any underlying conditions. Blood tests may also be requested to look for signs of inflammation or other medical conditions that could be causing the pain.
Conventional Treatment Options For Heel-Pain Related Conditions
Although it depends on how severe the pain is and whether there’s an underlying condition causing it, there are several treatment options available for heel pain. Some of the conventional treatments include:
- Stretching: Performing specific stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve stability in the foot. Such exercises can help reduce pain by providing better support to the affected area, which can also help prevent future injuries.
- Ice and heat application: Applying ice or heat to the heel can help provide temporary relief from any pain or inflammation. Generally, ice is recommended for acute injuries, while heat may be more beneficial for chronic conditions.
- Orthotic inserts: Custom-made orthotic inserts can provide support and cushioning to the foot, which can alleviate pressure and reduce pain. They are especially helpful for people with flat feet or high arches.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce heel pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may also provide more immediate relief. However, such medications only provide temporary relief and are not a long-term solution. Additionally, you should be aware of any potential side effects.
- Surgery: Surgery may be suggested in cases where other treatments have not been successful. This is typically reserved for severe cases. However, surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort since it carries risks and may require a long recovery time.
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can give the foot time to heal (especially if the pain is caused by an injury and not an underlying condition).
Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management For Heel Pain-Related Conditions
Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management is a medical approach that targets the underlying neurological factors contributing to chronic pain and inflammation. Neuragenex NFPM protocol takes this approach to treating heel pain. For instance, the use of electroanalgesia and IV therapy can help reduce inflammation in the foot, which is a major contributor to chronic heel pain.
In addition, our whole-person approach to managing chronic pain consists of non-surgical, non-invasive, non-chiropractic, and drug-free solutions. The following is a brief explanation of the treatment modalities we use:
Electroanalgesia
Electroanalgesia is a pain management technique that uses high-pulse electrical current to ease pain, boost blood circulation, improve mobility, and induce...
Read More About Sharp Pain Under The Heel Or Arch Of The Foot Electroanalgesia
IV Therapy
IV nutritional therapy, or intravenous therapy, involves administering vital nutrients directly to the bloodstream through an IV. This type of treatment bypasses the digestive system, allowing for maximum absorption and utilization of nutrients by the...
Read More About Sharp Pain Under The Heel Or Arch Of The Foot IV Therapy
Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle counseling is an approach to managing chronic pain that involves identifying, assessing, and modifying lifestyle factors contributing to an individual's pain. For example, lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep quality...
Read More About Sharp Pain Under The Heel Or Arch Of The Foot Lifestyle Counseling
Heel-Pain Causing Conditions We Manage
Because Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management focuses on the neurological factors that contribute to chronic pain, we can manage heel pain associated with a variety of underlying conditions, including the following:
Plantar Fasciitis Pain Treatment
Neuragenex NFPM is a non-surgical, drug-free solution to relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Our revolutionary treatment helps to reduce inflammation and improve mobility while providing extended relief from chronic heel pain. With our Neuragenex...
Gout Pain Treatment
Gout is a painful condition that can cause severe joint inflammation and swelling. It can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues that can have an enormous impact on your quality of life. Fortunately, the Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol...
Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Treatment
We offer a unique and leading-edge approach to treating the burning, tingling, throbbing pain that may be associated with peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. We have helped 100’s of patients, just like you, reduce their pain fast and get back to living...
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating and painful condition that causes swelling, joint damage, and immobility. We offer a non-invasive, non-chiropractic solution to alleviate the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Our treatments are designed to...
The Importance Of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of the underlying cause of heel pain is crucial as it can help prevent further damage and complications. For example, if the pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, early treatment can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic and causing long-term discomfort. Similarly, identifying and managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or peripheral neuropathy in their early stages can help slow down their progression and prevent more severe symptoms from developing. If heel pain is not addressed, it could lead to other structural and functional problems in the foot.
Moreover, early diagnosis can also lead to a more effective treatment plan. By determining what the root cause of your pain is, healthcare professionals can tailor a treatment approach that targets the specific condition, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery.
Receive Proper Treatment For Your Heel Pain
Heel pain can be caused by many types of conditions and can greatly impact daily activities and quality of life. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing and potentially resolving the pain. Conventional treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, and medication may provide relief, but for chronic pain that stems from underlying neurological factors, Neuragenex NFPM may be a more effective option. Our whole-person approach to pain management can help improve your overall well-being and provide long-term relief by helping manage your heel pain.
You don’t have to live in pain. Learn how we treat the condition causing your sharp heel or arch of the foot pain today.