Amy wrote:
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I have been experiencing pain on the outer sides of both heels for a few months now. The pain ranges from barely noticeable to extremely painful at times. It's usually worse in the mornings when I first wake up but the pain is almost always there. This is not a dull ache or throbbing kind of pain. The pain is concentrated in one small spot mirrored on the outside of each heel. I can touch my foot anywhere else and not feel any discomfort but as soon as I touch that one spot on either foot, I feel a very distinct and sharp pain. Any ideas on what this could be before I run to the doctor?
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THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER'S PROBLEM. IT IS NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION. ONLY THROUGH HANDS ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH PATIENTS CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER SHOULD CONTACT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS FORTHCOMING HEREIN.
I assume by "the outer sides of the heel" you do NOT mean the plantar skin . . Is that correct? Well, assuming my assumption is indeed correct . .
Now see here . . I'm really only trying to help . . so, don't get your bowels in an uproar when I ask if you are over-weight, or should I be pc and say, "rubenesque" or perhaps, "full-figured?"
Alright . . have you gotten control of yourself again?
To continue:
The reason I asked, is that often, and USUALLY it is women, who are in that category and wear slippers or shoes without firm counters (the part of the shoe which cups and surrounds the heel) tend to squeeze a ridge of tissue, especially on the outside of the heel NEAR the plantar surface, which often becomes calloused, irritated and painful. But on the other hand, the pain is not necessarily described as pin-point and is frequently more burning than sharp in nature.
Were it not for the fact that the problem is present on BOTH feet, I would think it possible that is is a foreign body such as a tiny splinter or a sliver of metal.
The other thing that comes to mind is a nerve entrapment or small neuroma, although this, in my experience has been more often seen on the inside rather than the outside portion of the heel.
Have I hit any bull’s-eyes or miss the target all together? If I've been on the mark with one of my scenarios, post again and I'll try to suggest some treatment. If not . . well it didn't cost you anything.
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