Heel Pain
If you’ve been dealing with heel pain, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a sharp sting when you step out of bed or a dull ache after a long day exploring Encinitas, heel discomfort can put a damper on your active lifestyle.
At Carriero Foot and Ankle, your trusted podiatrists in Encinitas, California, we’re here to help you understand what’s causing your heel pain and how to get back on your feet—pain-free.
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. Locals who love jogging along Moonlight Beach or hiking in San Elijo Lagoon often push their feet to the limit, making this condition more common here.
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 overuse injury strikes active Encinitas and North County residents—think surfers, runners, or weekend warriors.
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. While not always painful, they can irritate surrounding tissues, causing discomfort after a day walking around downtown Encinitas or standing at work.
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
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
Don’t let heel pain slow you down. Call Carriero Foot and Ankle today at (760)-642-7009 or book an appointment online to see how we can help. We’re proud to serve the Encinitas community and nearby areas like Carlsbad, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Solana Beach. Let’s get you back to enjoying all that coastal North County has to offer—without the heel pain holding you back!
Frequently Asked Questions
While x-rays are not always necessary, they are extremely helpful for our doctors to help exclude other issues.
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.
Orthotics can greatly help improve symptoms. Our doctors can give recommendations on over-the-counter versus custom orthotics.
Yes, shoes are extremely important! Supportive and cushioned shoes can greatly help alleviate discomfort.
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.
Providers:
Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatrist
Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatrist
Clinic Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
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