Joe A Shaw PA-C - 9/2/2008

Question
I have been experiencing on and off heel pain, which comes without any warning and is quite painful. It is quite painful to put weight on the foot, and the pain is mostly on the under side of the heel. I am a 23 yr old female and I have a history of knee bursitis as well as Crohn's Disease...aka I am on Remicade and 6-mp. It has happened twice and they have occured a few weeks a part and have lasted anywhere from 3 to 8 days. What could be the cause of this?

thanks, janie

Answer
Janie,
Probably either a heel spur..(bone spur that grows on the bottom of the heel)puts pressure on tendon/nerves around the heel area. OR Plantar fasciitis..tendon on bottom of foot that gets inflammed and attaches at heel. Both can be very painful and sometimes it can come and go..depending on shoes,activity level and walking surfaces. Sometimes a cortisone injection helps and special heel cups. For severe cases of heel spurs, surgery may help.