Heel Pain
Heel Pain Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What is Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common condition that can result from a variety of causes, including inflammation, overuse, or injury. It often starts as a dull ache and can progress to more severe discomfort if left untreated. Whether it’s pain in the bottom, back, or side of the heel, addressing it early is key to preventing long-term issues.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain can stem from several underlying conditions. Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating the following common causes:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes.
- Heel Spurs: Calcium deposits that form on the heel bone, often causing pain during movement.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, frequently caused by overuse or strain.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the heel bone due to repetitive force or high-impact activities.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) near the heel bone.
Symptoms of Heel Pain
Heel pain may vary in severity and type, but common symptoms include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially in the morning.
- Swelling or redness around the heel area.
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods.
- Tenderness when touching or pressing the heel.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Are You Suffering From Foot or Heel Pain?
If so, you are not alone.
Here at Preferred Foot & Ankle, heel pain is the most common reason people come see us. According to this national heel pain study by The American Podiatric Medical Association, 40% of respondents claimed to experience heel pain in the past 12 months.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a national study which investigated how frequently Americans suffer from foot ailments, specifically heel pain. There were 1,082 survey respondents, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. Of these respondents, 818 had experienced at least one foot ailment within the last year, with 429 Americans reporting heel pain. This study was conducted at a 95% confidence interval with 3% margin of error.
– Kelton Research
There are a number of reasons you might experience heel pain. While foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs, are all common causes of heel pain, the issue could be as simple as spending prolonged periods of time on your feet or wearing poorly fitting shoes – or footwear that is inappropriate for the activity you’re performing.
Treatment Options
At Preferred Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your heel pain. Our approach may include:
- Custom Orthotics: Providing support and correcting foot alignment.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to alleviate discomfort.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Reducing inflammation and pain for faster relief.
- Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive option to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct underlying issues.
There are also instances when you should see your doctor immediately. Request a walk-in visit or go to an urgent care center if you:
- Are unable to bend your foot downward
- Cannot stand on your toes or walk normally
- Experience severe heel pain following an injury
- Have heel pain accompanied by fever and a numbness or tingling sensation in the foot
- Have severe pain and/or swelling at the heel of the foot
What Types of Doctors Treat Heel Pain?
There are four main types of healthcare providers you might see for heel pain treatment:
Which type of doctor you choose depends on a number of variables, but the cause and severity of your pain may be the deciding factors.
General practitioners (which is what your primary doctor likely is) have a terrific, albeit generalized, understanding of the human body and overall health and wellness. But even your doctor will tell you they don’t have the specialized knowledge and training necessary to handle more complex issues related to a particular body part. That’s why they refer patients to specialists.
In addition to the specialized training they receive during medical school and their residency, specialists continue this trend throughout their professional lives. They’re up-to-date on the latest technologies and innovations in their chosen speciality. They are also required to spend a certain number of hours each year in continuing medical education (CME). Of course, all doctors have this requirement, but this is another area where specialists like podiatrists ensure they stay current on the latest treatments for their chosen specialty.
The CME requirement for Arizona doctors to maintain an active medical license is 40 hours per year.
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