Heel Pain

January 25, 2025
Categories:
- Uncategorized
Tags:
Achilles, heel-pain, heel-spur, plantar-fasciitis

Are you suffering from heel pain? Our foot and ankle specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating heel pain effectively.

The term heel pain can be confusing though and is often misunderstood. We’re dedicated to help educate and alleviate different types of heel pain.

Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Heel pain is a common issue that affects many people at some point in their lives. Whether it’s sharp, dull, or achy, pain can be incredibly disruptive to daily activities. Understanding the potential causes of pain can help you find relief and get back to doing what you love.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed. It’s often characterized by pain near the heel, particularly with the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in people who spend a lot of time on their feet or engage in high-impact activities like running.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Overuse or sudden strain on this tendon can lead to Achilles tendinitis, causing pain in the back of the heel. This condition is often seen in athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require repetitive jumping or running.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that can develop on the underside or backside of the heel bone. Spurs are often due to prolonged stress from conditions like plantar fasciitis or tight calves. Although heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, they can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the surrounding tissues.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your heel joint become inflamed. This inflammation can result in pain, swelling, and tenderness at the back of the heel.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome/Baxter’s Neuritis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle. This can lead to pain, along with numbness or tingling sensations in the foot.

Flat Feet or High Arches

The structure of your feet can also contribute to pain. Flat feet or overpronation (where the arches collapse when you walk) can put extra stress on the heel and cause discomfort. On the other hand, high arches can lead to an imbalance in foot mechanics, resulting in heel strain.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Your pain might not be coming from your foot. In fact, the nerves that control your feet and heels actually stem from the lower back. Sometimes, problems or injuries in this area of the spine can show up as pain or discomfort in your heel. Patients experiencing issues with their lumbar spine may notice symptoms like burning, tingling, numbness, or even shooting pains in their heels, all due to nerve compression or irritation. If you’re dealing with unexplained heel pain, it might be worth considering whether there’s a connection with your back!

Symptoms of Heel Pain

Pain can vary in intensity and type, but common symptoms include:

Sharp or stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel or back of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning.
Dull ache that worsens with activity or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
Swelling or inflammation around the heel area.
Tenderness when pressure is applied to the heel.
Burning or tingling while resting or before falling asleep at night.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Rest and Ice
Stretching Exercises
Orthotics and Footwear
Physical Therapy
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Corticosteroid Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Interfyl Injections
Surgery

Preventing Heel Pain

New Balance 880 shoe — Courtesy of New Balance

While not all pain can be prevented, certain steps can reduce your risk of developing it:

Wear shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning.
Gradually increase the intensity of physical activity to avoid overuse injuries.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet.
Stretch your feet and calves regularly, especially before and after exercise.
Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods.

Conclusion

Heel pain can be a frustrating and painful condition, but understanding its causes and symptoms can help you seek the right treatment. Our doctors can offer treatments to help you return to your normal activities pain-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are x-rays necessary to diagnose heel pain?

While x-rays are not always necessary, they are extremely helpful for our doctors to help exclude other issues.

Do I need a MRI?

Typically, a MRI is not required initially. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, our doctors may recommend a MRI to evaluate the cause of your pain.

Are orthotics beneficial?

Orthotics can greatly help improve symptoms. Our doctors can give recommendations on over-the-counter versus custom orthotics.

Are shoes important?

Yes, shoes are extremely important! Supportive and cushioned shoes can greatly help alleviate discomfort.

Does heel pain go away?

Absolutely! Our doctors provide individualized treatment options which can help alleviate your pain. Schedule an appointment today!

Have additional questions?

Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors

or call (760)-642-7009.

Schedule an Appointment