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What Causes Sharp Pain In The Heels?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017
Question: Very sharp pain in the middle of my right heel bone..Skin is pretty red.Feels a bit puffy.The red is about the size of a quarter.Started last Monday and today the pain is almost preventing me from walking
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on the history of pain, redness and mild swelling (puffy feeling), if there is no history of direct trauma or prolonged walking/standing, then there is a chance of an infection in the area

Pain, redness and swelling occur as part of the body's inflammatory's response. Inflammation can occur due to trauma or infection mainly.
With no history of trauma, infection would need to be ruled out.

If you do have a history of trauma (direct injury to the area or prolonged standing or walking), then you can consider the following: (1) rest- need to stay off of it as much as possible or use a cane or walker or crutch to reduce pressure on it

(2) ice compress, 2 to 4 times daily for 15 to 20 mins,

(3)elevation and possibly a bandage to help with swelling

(4)medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Infection can occur in the soft tissues or affect the bone.
If this the case then antibiotics would needed.

It may be best to see your doctor for an assessment to see which is the likely cause so that the appropriate treatment can be given

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain In The Heels?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the history of pain, redness and mild swelling (puffy feeling), if there is no history of direct trauma or prolonged walking/standing, then there is a chance of an infection in the area Pain, redness and swelling occur as part of the body's inflammatory's response. Inflammation can occur due to trauma or infection mainly. With no history of trauma, infection would need to be ruled out. If you do have a history of trauma (direct injury to the area or prolonged standing or walking), then you can consider the following: (1) rest- need to stay off of it as much as possible or use a cane or walker or crutch to reduce pressure on it (2) ice compress, 2 to 4 times daily for 15 to 20 mins, (3)elevation and possibly a bandage to help with swelling (4)medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen Infection can occur in the soft tissues or affect the bone. If this the case then antibiotics would needed. It may be best to see your doctor for an assessment to see which is the likely cause so that the appropriate treatment can be given I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions