What is heel pain?

Heel pain is an uncomfortable feeling at the back of your foot beneath your ankle. It can feel like dull aching pain, discomfort while walking or jogging, or a sharp, stabbing pain. Heel pain can also feel like a tingling or burning sensation.

What are the risk factors for heel pain?

Heel pain can result from an accident, injury, disease, or other causes. Examples include:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Bone tumors
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Heel spurs
• Bone infections
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Diabetes

You might notice heel pain after a sports or work injury or age-related wear-and-tear. 

How does my podiatrist diagnose the cause of heel pain?

To find the root cause of your heel pain and develop a treatment, your podiatrist reviews your medical history and asks you to describe your symptoms. They examine your feet, looking for signs of swelling, redness, bruising, and warmth.

Your foot specialist might recommend you undergo diagnostic tests that include blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures.

How is heel pain treated?

Based on what kind of heel pain you have and how severe it is, your specialist will recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Ice packs

Icing the affected area can reduce the pain and inflammation you’re feeling in your heel.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises and stretches can ease heel discomfort, strengthen the tissues surrounding your heel, and prevent reinjury.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce heel pain and inflammation.

Orthotics

Orthotics (custom-fitted shoe inserts) can relieve heel discomfort by placing pressure on different parts of your foot while walking or exercising. In many cases, orthotics can improve the position of your heel and gait (the way you walk).

Injections

Steroid injections can reduce the inflammation associated with heel pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections help generate new cells and stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate tissue healing and naturally ease heel pain.

Ultrasound

Your podiatrist can use ultrasound energy and a needle to break up or destroy diseased tissue. Doing so stimulates natural healing in your heel and the surrounding tissues.

Surgery

If you have a serious form of disease or injury, your Foot and Ankle Wellness Center specialist could suggest that you undergo a surgical procedure to remove, repair, or reconstruct tissues in your foot, heel, and/or ankle.

Don’t let heel pain get the best of you when simple treatments available at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center can ease your discomfort. Call the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment or book one online.