Heel Pain Specialist

What are the common causes of heel pain?

Numerous conditions and injuries can contribute to heel pain, which can make it difficult to walk, stand, and go about your daily life. Some common conditions that are responsible for foot pain include: 

Plantar fasciitis

This painful condition occurs when the fascia that stretches across the bottom of your foot grows inflamed. It causes a shooting pain at the bottom of your heel that tends to be worse first thing in the morning or after a period of rest. 

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis often causes pain at the back of your heel. When the Achilles tendon is inflamed, it can turn stiff, swollen, and painful. 

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form protrusions either on the bottom or back of your knee. They form because of the inflammation and instability in either your plantar fascia or your Achilles tendon. 

Bursitis

Bursas are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion movement between your tendons and bones. When they grow irritated or inflamed — a condition known as bursitis — they can cause a lot of pain. 

Heel fractures

Heel fractures often come from a hard impact or jolt, like a fall or a sudden twisting motion. If you fracture your heel, your foot will swell and bruise, and you’ll feel a lot of pain. There are several types of fractures, and they’ll all need treatment from your trusted podiatrist.

Heel pain may also be caused by bone tumors, bone infections, peripheral neuropathy, and various forms of arthritis. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Your Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists podiatrist examines your feet and asks you questions about your pain. He will want to watch you walk to see if your gait is affected. Often, diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs confirm a diagnosis or get more details about what’s causing your pain.

How is heel pain treated?

Once your podiatrist diagnoses the cause of your heel pain, he’ll create a customized treatment plan to ease your discomfort and heal your feet.

In many cases, you’ll need to rest your feet and apply ice. Your doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medications or offer corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and inflammation. They may also recommend shockwave therapy or MLS laser therapy. 

If you have a fracture, you may need to wear an immobilizing boot or cast while your bones heal.

Your podiatrist may also recommend new shoes, custom orthotics, stretching and specialized exercises, change in daily activities, or night splints or heel pads. 

If you’re interested in treatment for ongoing heel pain, call Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists, or make an appointment online today.