Heel Pain

What is heel pain?

Heel pain refers to any discomfort, swelling, or stiffness that affects the area at the back of your foot below the ankle. 

Most cases of heel pain respond well to conservative, at-home treatments like rest, ice, and elevation. However, if your symptoms continue to persist for more than a few days or they interfere with your quality of life, contact the team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute right away.

What causes heel pain?

At The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute, the team treats heel pain caused by various issues, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Reactive arthritis

You might also experience heel pain due to osteochondrosis — a group of disorders that affect bone growth in children and teens.

Is there any way to prevent heel pain?

Unfortunately, heel pain cannot be prevented entirely, but you can take steps to significantly lower your risk. 

The team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute recommends wearing shoes that fit properly and provide support, stretching before exercise, and pacing yourself when working out.

In addition, eat a healthy, balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and take a break from exercise when you feel tired or experience muscle aches. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

To diagnose heel pain, the team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and physically examines your heel. 

Your provider gently presses on your heel to pinpoint areas of warmth or tenderness, asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, and observes your gait and posture.

If these measures don’t provide enough insight, the team orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These procedures provide detailed photographs of the bones, joints, and soft tissue structures in your feet and heels. 

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment of heel pain depends on the intensity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Whenever possible, the team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute recommends conservative, non-invasive treatments, including:

• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Custom orthotics
• Custom bracing or casts
• Physical therapy

If your heel pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from surgical intervention. The team offers several types of surgery using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to address heel pain.

To learn more about treatment for heel pain, request a consultation at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute. You can book an appointment using the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.