A bruised heel is an injury to the fat pad that protects the heel bone (calcaneus).
The longer you’ve had heel pain, the more time it can take to heal.
This article discusses a bruised heel, including causes, diagnosis, home remedies, and medical treatments.
PixelCatchers / Getty Images
PixelCatchers / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of a Bruised Heel?
Bruised Heel vs.
Broken Heel
It can be challenging to distinguish between a bruised heel and a broken heel.
Imaging is an essential part of diagnosing these injuries.
Bruised Heel vs. Plantar Fasciitis
Bruised heels are commonly misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis.
However, these conditions can occur together.
Plantar fasciitis can causeheel painwhen stepping on the foot.
What Causes a Bruised Heel?
It can also occur from stepping on a sharp object like a rock.
Home remedies can help you manage the symptoms of a bruised heel.
Use RICE
The R.I.C.E.
Examples include Aleve (naproxen), Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), and Bayer (aspirin).
Tylenol (acetaminophen)is another medication that can help reduce pain.
Check with your healthcare provider to ensure these medications are safe.
How Is a Bruised Heel Diagnosed?
Imaging is often needed to help rule out a broken bone or other soft tissue damage.
How Long Does It Take a Bruised Heel to Heal?
The longer you’ve had symptoms, the more time it can take to improve.
Be patientfully recovering from a bruised heel can take several months.
Treatment includes home remedies, medications, and modifications such as taping or orthotics.
Stretches and shoes with increased cushioning can also help.
American Podiatric Medical Association.Heel pain.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Heel pain.
a scoping review of heel fat pad syndrome.J Foot Ankle Res.
2022;15(1):60. doi:10.1186/s13047-022-00568-x
American College of Rheumatology.NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.
