What causes heel pain?
The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by the tightening of the band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can make your heel to hurt on its own, and it sometimes causes heel spurs, a type of bone spur that forms when the muscles and ligaments attached to the heel suffer repeated micro-injury.
Some other conditions that can cause heel pain include:
- Gait imbalances
- Misalignment of the foot or ankle
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Nerve damage
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
Repetitive, high-impact exercise like running and jogging, as well as wearing ill-fitting shoes, can also cause or worsen heel pain.
When should I see a doctor for heel pain?
If your heel pain persists for more than two weeks, or if your heel hurts when you aren’t putting weight on it, you should make an appointment with one of the caring podiatrists at City Podiatry for an evaluation.
Same-day emergency foot care appointments are available for pain that’s severe or prevents you from walking or bending your foot.
How is the cause of heel pain diagnosed?
The best way to determine the cause of your pain is to have a comprehensive evaluation with a podiatrist at City Podiatry. This includes a physical exam, a detailed health history, and X-rays to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
Your podiatrist may recommend further tests, such as an MRI or blood work, to determine if you have a pre-existing medical condition that’s contributing to your heel pain.
How is heel pain treated?
Following your evaluation, your doctor at City Podiatry creates a customized treatment plan that may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy)
- Prescription or custom-molded orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Exercises and stretches
- Laser surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
Most heel pain can be relieved with a conservative treatment approach. If your condition requires surgery, the podiatrists at City Podiatry are board-certified foot surgeons with experience in a variety of minimally invasive techniques that come with less pain and a shorter recovery period than traditional surgery.
To learn more about how the caring team at City Podiatry can relieve your heel pain, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
