Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Heel Pain?Is It an AS Symptom?TreatmentWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Heel Pain?
Is It an AS Symptom?
Treatment
When to Seek Care
The chronic autoimmune conditionankylosing spondylitis(AS) typically impacts the joints and soft tissue structures in the spine. But more advanced cases of AS can also affect peripheral areas like the heel and cause pain in this region.AS can lead to severe pain, stiffness, and ultimately immobility, especially if untreated.
This article will detail how ankylosing spondylitis causes heel pain and how this less-typical symptom is commonly managed.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
Pain in the heelcan be intermittent or more chronic and constant, depending on the person. It typically arises on the bottom or back portion of thecalcaneus (heel) bone, though the sides of the foot may also be affected.
The pain quality can also vary, from dull and achy to sharper and stabbing. Occasionally, other symptoms like warmth, redness, or swelling may also be present in the heel and the surrounding areas.
When to Seek Help
Is Heel Pain a Symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
While ankylosing spondylitis is commonly considered a spinal condition, it can affect many other structures, including the heel. This is because the disease isrheumatic in natureand causes widespread inflammation and pain throughout the body’s joints. Occasionally, this includes peripheral regions like the heels, hips, shoulders, fingers, and toes.
The exactreason that AS developsin some individuals is unknown. However, certaingenetic markerspredisposing people to get the disease have been identified. In addition, several groups of people seem to be at higher risk, including:
Treatments and Management of Heel Pain
In addition to medications, several othersymptom-management strategiesare also frequently suggested.Physical therapycan help improve your mobility and increase the strength in the muscles that support your foot and ankle.Regular aerobic exercise also plays an important role in alleviating your pain and stiffness.
Some healthcare providers also recommend changing your diet to reduce the intake ofinflammation-causing foods. The research supporting this management strategy is still mixed, and more studies are needed.
In cases of severe joint damage from ankylosing spondylitis, surgery may be necessary to provide additional support or stability to the affected area.
9 Best Exercises for Ankylosing Spondylitis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing heel pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. This is especially true if the symptoms are getting progressively worse or are severe. Discussing your symptoms withan experienced professionalcan help identify the appropriate treatments that are available.
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes elevated levels of inflammation in the body. While the most commonly affected areas are the spine and pelvis, occasionally peripheral joints such as the heel can be impacted. When this occurs, one potential symptom is heel pain.
Many treatments can manage this disease including medications, physical therapy, dietary changes, and regular exercise. Be sure to speak to a healthcare provider about any symptoms you are experiencing so they can diagnose the cause and determine which interventions are appropriate.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zhu W, He X, Cheng K, et al.Ankylosing spondylitis: etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments.Bone Res. 2019;7(1):1-16. doi:10.1038/s41413-019-0057-8
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Ankylosing spondylitis.
Spondylitis Association of America.Treatment of spondyloarthritis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Ankylosing spondylitis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
