Diagnostic Tests for Heel pain

Diagnostic Test list for Heel pain:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Heel pain includes:

• Physical examination
  • Inspect the gait including limping
  • Inspect the heel looking for any skin changes - e.g. ulcer, foreign body, cellulitis, plantar wart.
  • Feel the foot, especially the heel for tenderness
  • Feel for tenderness localized 5cm for the end of the heel suggestive of plantar fasciitis
  • Feel for tender thickened Achilles tendon and crepitus (crackling) with moving the tendon suggestive of Achilles tendonitis
  • Feel for a tender swelling over the lower part of the Achilles tendon and a very tender defect about the size of the little finger which would be suggestive of partial or complete Achilles tendon rupture
  • Move joints of foot to detect any reduced range of movement which suggests various types of arthritis, fracture, torn ligaments or inflammation of bursa or tendons
  • Feel peripheral pulses. If pulses were reduced or absent may suggest peripheral atherosclerosis
  • Neurological examination of foot including power, reflexes and sensation to rule out S1 nerve root entrapment
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count ( anemia can cause pain due to poor vascular supply) and ESR (as marker of inflammation)
  • Blood glucose
  • Uric acid (marker of gout which is associated with plantar fasciitis)
  • Rheumatoid factor, ENA, ANA autoantibodies
• Radiological investigations
  • Plain X-Ray of foot and ankle
  • CT Scan of foot and ankle ( CT Scan is usually needed for accurate diagnosis of calcaneal / heel fractures)
  • Bone scan will help diagnose obscure fractures and osteomyelitis
  • CT Scan or MRI scan of sacral spine, if suspect nerve root entrapment
  • Femoral angiography if suspect peripheral vascular disease
  • Doppler ultrasound scan can help define the severity of peripheral vascular disease
• Ankle brachial index - a quick screening test if suspect peripheral vascular disease.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Heel pain causes:

• Nerve Neuropathy: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Test Kits
  • Home Blood Glucose Testing Kits

 » Next page: Glossary

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