Discussing the common causes of pain behind the heel.
Heel Pain on the Back of the Heel
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the leg, and serves an important purpose by allowing the ankle to move up and down in a stable manner. This tendon begins in the calf as a combination of two different muscles, and attaches to the back of the heel bone. It can easily be felt…
Haglunds Deformity
The Haglund’s deformity is a bone enlargement on the back of the heel, but is notably different from a spur. The top surface of the back of the heel bone is normally a rounded but generally flat surface that has nothing attached to it, unlike the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. …
Bone Spurs on the Back of the Heel (Posterior Heel Spur)
Spurs do indeed develop on the back of the heel bone, and often can be a source of pain. Spurs form for a variety of reasons, but usually develop in response to traction or pulling of the heel bone by the Achilles tendon. This is especially the case when there is a general tightening or…
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Treatment For Pain on the Back of the Heel
The treatment of Achilles tendonitis and the bone spurs that irritate it involve simultaneously restricting the tendon’s motion through support and increasing its flexibility passively through stretching. By reducing its motion with a specialized ankle brace, the Achilles tendon can be supported and daily activities can continue with minimal harm to the injured tendon. Another…
Surgery For Achilles Tendonitis and Posterior Heel Spurs
Corrective surgery for Achilles tendonitis and spurs or a Haglund’s deformity on the back of the heel is considered when all reasonable conservative measures have failed to provide tissue healing and pain relief. An incision is made on the back of the heel, usually to one side of the Achilles tendon or the other. The…
Read more Surgery For Achilles Tendonitis and Posterior Heel Spurs
Scott Kilberg 