PAINFUL HEEL Meaning and
Definition
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Painful heel refers to a medical condition characterized by discomfort or soreness experienced in the area of the heel, typically resulting from various underlying causes. The term is commonly used within the field of podiatry and encompasses several conditions known to induce heel pain.
This condition can be caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Other potential causes include Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, heel spurs, which are bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone, and stress fractures, small cracks or fractures in the bones of the foot.
Individuals with painful heels usually experience discomfort when placing weight on the affected foot, particularly during activities such as walking or running. The intensity of the pain can vary, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, shooting sensations. It may worsen after prolonged periods of rest or immobility, such as when awakening in the morning or standing up after sitting for an extended period.
Treatment options for painful heels depend on the underlying cause. They may include rest, ice therapy, the use of specialized shoe inserts or orthotics, stretching exercises, physical therapy, or the administration of anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be recommended. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent the condition from further progressing.
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A condition in which bearing the weight on the heel causes more or less severe pain; it is frequently gonorrheal in origin, and in most cases is due to a bony growth on the plantar surface of the os calcis at the point of origin of the flexor brevis digitorum muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PAINFUL HEEL
- oainful heel
- lainful heel
- -ainful heel
- 0ainful heel
- pzinful heel
- psinful heel
- pwinful heel
- pqinful heel
- paunful heel
- pajnful heel
- paknful heel
- paonful heel
- pa9nful heel
- pa8nful heel
- paibful heel
- paimful heel
- paijful heel
- paihful heel
- paindul heel
- paincul heel
Etymology of PAINFUL HEEL
The term "painful heel" does not have a specific and established etymology as it is a general description of a condition rather than a specific medical term. However, the word "painful" comes from the Old French "peinful", meaning full of pain or suffering, which originated from the Latin word "poena" meaning punishment or penalty.
The word "heel" derives from the Old English "hēla" or "hǣla", which means "the back part of the foot". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hailīgō" related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kóilles", meaning the hollow area of the foot or the Achilles tendon.
When combined, "painful heel" simply refers to a condition where the heel of the foot causes pain or discomfort.
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