Heel Pain Specialist

Why do I have heel pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common pain-causing issues podiatrists treat. Because your heel bone is the largest bone in each of your feet and it’s connected to countless connective tissues that support your foot and ankle, you can develop heel pain for a number of reasons. 

If you’re experiencing heel pain, it could be a sign of:   

• Arthritis 
• Heel spurs 
• Stress fracture
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Achilles tendinitis
• Foreign bodies, such as glass
• Nerve damage, as with diabetic neuropathy 

Your heels may also hurt because of your footwear. For instance, if you’re an athlete or exercise regularly in worn-out shoes, your feet might not get adequate support. 

What are the symptoms of heel pain?

Heel pain can lead to a number of different symptoms and sensations, depending on the underlying cause. You may experience one or more of the following heel pain symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling
• Swelling or tenderness 
• Burning or electrical sensations
• Inability to bear weight on your foot
• Limited range of motion in your ankle
• Pain that’s worse after inactivity, especially when you get out of bed

When you come to Foot & Ankle Specialty Center for a heel pain exam, your podiatrist evaluates your feet and ankles and looks at X-ray or ultrasound imaging (if needed) to get to the root of your heel pain. They use this information to put together a personalized heel pain treatment plan.

Is there an effective treatment for heel pain?  

Yes! Depending on the outcome of your diagnostic testing, your dedicated podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center will likely recommend one or more of the following heel pain treatments:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
• Splinting or bracing, including night splints
• Heel, foot, and ankle muscle stretches 
• Custom-molded orthotic inserts 
• Shoe modifications 
• Physical therapy 

You may need surgery for heel pain if you have a complex fracture, ligament or tendon rupture, or bone spur. But with a team of highly skilled board-certified foot and ankle surgeons available at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center, you can feel comfortable that you’re going to receive the expert care you need. 

Schedule your heel pain evaluation at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center today. Click the online booking feature or call to speak with a team member.