What is the Heel Bruise (Contusion)?
A heel bruise is a painful condition caused by impact or overuse, especially on hard surfaces. It leads to tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort during weight-bearing. In this article, we explain how to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Definition
The Heel Bruise (Contusion) is a condition in which pain occurs in the heel due to an injury to the soft tissues that surround the heel bone. This injury may be due to a traumatic injury such as a fall, or an injury by excessive use, such as the impact of repeated foot on hard surfaces.
Causes
The most common causes of the Heel Bruise (Contusion) include:
- Traumatic injuries: such as a fall or a blow to the heel.
- Overuse injuries: such as running or walking on hard surfaces or steep inclines.
- Overweight: excess weight can increase the pressure on the heel and cause an injury to the soft tissues.
- Inappropriate footwear: the use of inappropriate footwear, such as shoes with high heels or hard soles, you can increase the pressure on the heel and cause an injury to the soft tissues.
- Structural problems of the foot: as the over-pronation, or flat feet, which may increase the pressure on the heel and cause an injury to the soft tissues.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the Heel Bruise (Contusion) is based on the patient’s clinical history and the physical assessment. The doctor may perform tests to evaluate the strength and range of motion of the foot and leg, as well as to evaluate the sensitivity and the pain in the heel.
In addition, the doctor may order tests, diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or an injury to the tendons.
Treatment
The treatment of the Heel Bruise (Contusion) is focused on reducing the pain and inflammation, and promote healing of injured soft tissues. Common treatments include:
- Rest and ice, rest the foot and applying ice to the heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Medications: pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: physical therapy can help to improve the strength and flexibility of the foot and the leg, and to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Use of appropriate footwear: wear suitable footwear, such as shoes with soles soft and muted, can reduce the pressure on the heel and helps to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Orthotics: the use of orthopaedic insoles can help to correct the structural problems of the foot and reduce the pressure on the heel.
- Injections of corticosteroids: in severe cases of Heel Bruise (Contusion), you may administer injections of corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and pain.
- Surgery: in severe cases of Heel Bruise (Contusion) that do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be needed.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation after the treatment of the Heel Bruise (Contusion) is important for restoring strength, flexibility and function of the foot and the leg. The rehabilitation may include stretching exercises, strengthening and balance, as well as techniques of physical therapy, manual therapy and ultrasound therapy.
Back action
The return to action after the Heel Bruise (Contusion) depends on the severity of the injury and the type of activity they are going to do it. In general, it is recommended to start with low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the activity.
It is important to continue with the rehabilitation exercises after you return to the activity to prevent the recurrence of the Heel Bruise (Contusion) and to maintain the health and function of the foot and the leg.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Bibliography and Webgrafía
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