by Marieke Custers
(Ulvenhout the Netherlands)
Dear Doctor,
Since about 6 weeks I experience an episodical very sharp stabbing pain in the heel of my right foot. It is located under the heel at the inside. These attacks come once or twice a day and they typically last only about 5 to 10 seconds. But the pain is very intense. I cannot help screaming and sometimes things drop from my hands. After such an attack, while the pain has gone, I often
sit down crying for some time. The attacks are unpredictable and they may occur while sitting down, standing, walking or even in bed. In between these attacks I have no pain at all.
I have read a few posts here in which you mentioned heel neuroma as a possible cause. Could that be my problem too? If so, and in view of the time a treatment would take, what would be the best way to lessen the pain in the meantime in terms of external measures or pain medicine?
Hi Marieke,
Assuming it is a true heel neuroma, the problem is you never know when you are going to have an attack so it is difficult to prepare for the attack.
Obviously the smart move would be to see a doctor and let he or she take care of it. You are limited as to what you can do on your own. You can try very cushioned shoes to absorb some shock, you can take anti-inflammatory medication (if you can tolerate it), but I would only recommend that for no more than 2-3 weeks.
You can try icing the area in an effort to reduce inflammation, but ultimately if you are having such severe pain, it should be brought to the attention of a doctor if for no other reason, it might be something other than a heel neuroma.
Marc Mitnick DPM
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