Heel pain is common, ranging from minor discomfort to serious injury. It can be challenging to determine if the issue is a simple bruise or a fracture. Understanding the differences helps guide appropriate care.
Understanding the Differences
A bruised heel results from direct impact or repetitive stress on the fat pad and soft tissues beneath the heel bone. Activities like running on hard surfaces, jumping, or wearing unsupportive footwear can cause this injury. Pain is typically a deep, dull ache or tenderness directly under the heel, worsening with standing or walking. Swelling and discoloration, such as red or purple bruising, may be present. Pain often lessens with rest and elevation, improving in one to three weeks, though bone bruising can extend recovery to two to six weeks.
A broken heel, a severe injury to the large bone forming the heel, commonly results from high-impact trauma like a fall from a significant height or a motor vehicle accident. Pain is typically severe and immediate, making it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the affected foot. Significant swelling is common, and the heel may appear noticeably wider or deformed. Bruising around the heel and ankle is also common, and numbness or tingling can occur if the broken bone puts pressure on nearby nerves. Unlike a bruise, a broken heel usually requires more intensive medical intervention and a longer recovery period, potentially several months or even up to two years for complex cases.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if your heel pain is severe and immediate, particularly after a fall or accident. Inability to bear weight or walk normally suggests a serious injury, such as a fracture. Significant swelling, heel deformity, or large, dark bruising also indicate a need for professional medical evaluation.
Numbness or tingling in the heel or foot, especially with pain or swelling, warrants immediate doctor consultation. Even if pain is not severe, schedule a visit if heel pain persists for more than a few weeks despite home care like rest and ice. A medical professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist, can perform a physical examination and order imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.