Do you have continuous heel pain without any reason, and you are worried that cancer could be the reason behind it? Or do you want to know how to get rid of heel pain due to cancer? In either case, we have the answers you need.
Yes, heel pain could be a sign of breast or lung cancer, but it happens in very rare cases. Generally, there are other reasons behind this problem that can be easily treated. Here, we will share all the potential causes of this condition and their treatments as well. Moreover, we will also share the symptoms of these two cancer types.
This comprehensive article will enable you to diagnose the cause of your heel or foot pain. Let’s quickly start by answering your question.
When Is Heel Pain A Sign Of Cancer?
Heel pain is usually not a sign of cancer; there are several other reasons behind it, but it could be a sign of it in rare cases. Many studies have shown that lung and breast cancer can affect your heel bones and cause pain. Hence, heel pain could be a sign of cancer, but if it’s accompanied by other symptoms,.
Here are the common symptoms of both of these types of cancers. If these sound familiar, then you need to contact a doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Lung Cancer Symptoms:
The general signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Wheezing
Breast Cancer Symptoms:
These are the common symptoms of breast cancer:
- Lumps in the breast or underarm
- Swelling of part of the breast
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit
- Persistent breast asymmetry
Treating Heel Pain Alongside Cancer
There are multiple methods of treating heel pain alongside cancer. The good thing is that these methods are not so expensive, and most of the plantar fasciitis cases are treated even without surgery. Of course, these methods are used alongside cancer treatment. Let’s take a look at their details.
Orthotics
Customized inserts offer you relief for orthotics. This procedure works by distributing pressure evenly. They provide necessary support, which eventually minimizes strain on the heel and makes you feel better.
Night Splints
Night splints, or braces, are the support that you wear during the night. They keep your toes straight and reduce pressure on your heel. It gently stretches the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon overnight and makes you feel better in the morning.
Other Causes Of Heel Pain?
There are multiple other reasons behind heel pain, except for cancer. From simple high heels to bone diseases, there could be several reasons behind them. Following are some of the potential reasons that could be the culprit for your pain.
- Ill-fitting shoes, running
- Jumping on hard surfaces
- Abnormal walking style
- Inflammation of foot tissue
- Achilles tendon inflammation
- Bony growth on the heel
- A small bone crack
- Adolescent growth plate inflammation
- Inflammation of the fluid sac
- Nerve compression in the foot
- Joint inflammation
- Bony enlargement on the heel
- Heel bone inflammation in children
How Do You Get Rid Of It?
The best way to get rid of any health problem, whether it’s mild or severe, is obviously by visiting a doctor and following his prescribed treatment. But there are several problems that we face in everyday life, and we can’t go to the doctor for every single one of them. If you are satisfied that your heel pain is not due to any severe disease, then you can try these remedies.
- Take a break from activities that strain your heels.
- Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes multiple times a day.
- Wear supportive shoes with cushioned soles.
- Perform stretches targeting your calf and foot muscles.
- Use inserts or heel cups for added support and cushioning.
- Take non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your heels.
- Wear splints at night to stretch your calf and foot while you sleep.
- Seek professional help for tailored exercises and treatments.
- Gently massage your heels to alleviate tension and promote blood flow.
Final Words
Heel pain is usually not a sign of cancer, but it could be a symptom in extremely rare cases. Visit a doctor to accurately diagnose it. It will clear your doubts as well, while ensuring your safety. You would timely diagnose it, even if it was cancer, and it would help you in its treatment. It will save you from severe complications.
But if it is due to any injury or there are no other signs of cancer, then you probably don’t need to worry about it. Was it helpful? Remember to share your valuable reviews in the comment section.