MRI of heel pain.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the normal anatomy of the posterior ankle and hindfoot and review the causes of heel pain, with attention to the clinical, radio-graphic, and MRI findings. Heel pain is a common problem that may be due to a variety of soft-tissue and osseous abnormalities. Knowledge of the anatomy of the posterior ankle and hind-foot offers a useful way in approaching heel pain. Some of the more common causes include Achilles tendinosis, Haglund phenomenon, and plantar fasciitis. MRI offers superior soft-tissue contrast resolution and can be helpful in diagnosis as well as in presurgical planning.