What is heel pain?
Heel pain is a feeling of ache, tenderness or discomfort in your heel. You might experience heel pain after direct trauma, like falling down, or as a result of a sports injury. Heel pain might also occur because of a chronic condition.
There are several different reasons why you might have heel pain, but Madison Advanced Foot & Ankle can help determine the cause of your heel pain and provide treatment options to help relieve your symptoms.
What causes heel pain?
Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon—which connects your calf muscle to your heel—becomes inflamed and causes pain in the heel.
Excess pronation
Your heel touches the ground before the rest of your foot flexes to adapt to the floor’s surface. If this happens too often or fiercely (excess pronation), you may experience pain in the heel.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—which is a strip of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot—is inflamed. If you have this foot condition, you might experience heel pain.
Bone spurs
Bone spurs may grow on the bones in the heel, leading to heel pain.
How is the cause of heel pain diagnosed?
Dr. Graney begins looking for the cause of your heel pain by conducting a thorough physical exam of your foot and ankle. He also reviews your medical history and ask questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Depending on the results of the initial exam, he may recommend imaging tests like X-rays, to look for any problems with the bone.
How is heel pain treated?
Treatment for heel pain depends on its severity and cause. Some treatments that may be recommended include:
Medication
Some types of heel pain—such as pain caused by Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, may improve with anti-inflammatory medications.
Custom orthotics
Dr. Graney can customize orthotics, or individualized shoe inserts, that fit your feet and hold them in proper alignment. If you have pain related to plantar fasciitis or excessive pronation, orthotics may help with your symptoms.
Foot surgery
Depending on the severity of your heel pain, Dr. Graney may recommend foot surgery to resolve your condition.
If you have heel pain that affects your ability to move comfortably, call Madison Advanced Foot & Ankle as soon as possible. You can also book an appointment online today.
