Heel Pain

What is heel pain?

Heel pain often develops with overuse, but it can come from acute injuries too. You’re less likely to get heel pain if you wear shoes that fit comfortably and are appropriate for the occasion, such as wearing supportive tennis shoes when engaging in cardio exercises like running.

It also helps to maintain a healthy diet and to stretch before exercising or exerting yourself in other ways, like working a long shift on your feet. In many cases, heel pain gets better with no physician intervention.

Where does heel pain come from?

There are a few common causes of heel pain, but one of the most common and well-known is plantar fasciitis. With this condition, the long ligament on the underside of your foot called the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, and you feel pain under the heel as a result. 

Other possible causes of heel pain, diagnosable with imaging tests and a physical examination, are:

• A stone bruise under the foot
• Heel spurs
• Heel fractures
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Sprains and strains

Some heel pain affects the underside of the heel on the bottom of your foot, while others affect the back of your heel. Describing your pain and its location helps your podiatrist at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery make an accurate diagnosis. 

When should I book an appointment for heel pain?

The first step to take when you have heel pain is to attempt to remedy it at home. Using ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and rest can all ease the discomfort; in fact, your pain might go away completely.

You should consider booking an appointment for your heel pain at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery if your heel pain is:

• Sudden
• Severe
• Debilitating
• Unstoppable with home care

Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery uses the latest podiatric diagnostic technology to examine your heel and find the injury or damage at the source of the pain. 

How can I manage my heel pain?

Managing your heel pain is possible with professional care at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery; you can usually do so without surgery. Alongside self-care and lifestyle modifications like wearing shoes that fit well, your podiatrist might recommend:

• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Injectable or oral anti-inflammatory medications

Though rarely necessary after nonoperative treatments like these, surgery is an option if they don’t work. You should keep in mind that surgery is a major step with a long recovery, and it isn’t a guaranteed solution. 

If you’re interested in learning more about some of the most common causes of heel pain and exploring their treatments, call Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery, or book a consultation online today.