Pulling/rubbing sensation on outer left heel

Ask a PT

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Posted - 01/09/2008 :  11:22:40  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Hi, I found this link when googling "ask a physical therpist". May I ask you a question in hopes you can point me in the right direction? I've recently developed a pulling/rubbing sensation on the outer left heel area when raising the back of my foot like standing on my tippy toes (sorry for the unprofessional lingo). Or when I reach upwards which causes the back of my foot to elevate. I'm 48, don't exercise but am very active with three small children, am 6'1", 180 lbs. Could this be atrophy of something? Shoes? Age? Should I see a PT? I would appreciate any insight."

Ask a PT Response: "There could be various factors contributing to this pulling/rubbing sensation at the outer heel that you are describing when you are coming up onto your toes. You could have involvement at various structures including but not limited to the peroneal tendons (these muscles help bring your foot out -evert and up -dorsiflex), achilles tendon, plantar fascia/aponeurosis, or long ligament of the foot. You also could have arthokinematic (joint issues) which may be limiting ROM which could contribute to the cause of your symptoms. Atrophy would most likely not be the cause of your symptoms given your activity level, but weakness in the muscles of your foot/ankle could possibly be a contributing factor. Proper footwear certainly is important in regards to maintaining the health of your foot. Age, the type of activities an individual is performing or physical features of an individual can also contribute to outcomes at the foot. You can learn more about the foot from some articles on the CyberPT site: http://www.cyberpt.com/footproblems.asp
http://www.cyberpt.com/footconditions.asp .
It may not be a bad idea to consult with a physical therapist if you are able to given your symptoms. He or she will be better able to give you a better idea of what is going on once an evaluation has been completed. You certainly wouldn't want it to develop into something worse. Good luck with everything and thanks for using CyberPT."