What causes heel pain?
Heel pain is a common and potentially disruptive condition that has numerous possible causes. Sports Arena Podiatry Group diagnoses and treats many conditions that cause heel pain, including:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, which stretches from the bottom of your heel to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis may cause heel spurs, which are bony protrusions that grow from the heel bone.
Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, running along the back of your heel and attaching to your calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury, especially in runners.
Fractures
Stress fractures, also called hairline fractures, are especially common in the bones of your foot.
Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis that cause heel pain.
Other causes of heel pain include cysts, nerve damage, and bursitis, which involves inflammation in the fluid-filled sacs in a joint.
Who is at risk of developing heel pain?
Heel pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. You may be at higher risk of developing heel pain if you:
- Have flat feet or very high arches
- Are overweight or obese
- Participate in sports that put extra stress on your feet, like running
- Have a job that requires spending long hours on your feet
Sports Arena Podiatry Group evaluates and treats heel pain in adults, teenagers, and children.
How is heel pain diagnosed and treated?
Sports Arena Podiatry Group will ask you to describe your heel pain, including when it started and any symptoms that accompany it, like stiffness, redness, or swelling. They carefully examine your foot and may take an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis.
They then create an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the specific cause of your heel pain, treatment may include:
- Stretching exercises
- Icing the foot
- Footwear modifications
- Weight loss
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
- Orthotic devices
- Padding and strapping
- Wearing a night splint
- Physical therapy
If your pain and symptoms are severe or don’t resolve with conservative treatment, Sports Arena Podiatry Group may recommend surgery.
For expert care of heel pain, call Sports Arena Podiatry Group or book an appointment online today.
