Heel Pain
Pain under the back of the foot
Symptoms
Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Tenderness or swelling in the heel area.
Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot.
Pain that worsens after prolonged standing or walking.
Causes
Plantar Fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed due to overuse, flat feet, high arches, or wearing unsupportive footwear.
Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can cause additional irritation to the surrounding tissues.
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition can cause pain at the back of the heel and is often related to overuse or improper footwear.
Sever’s Disease: A common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents, Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It typically occurs during growth spurts when the bones, muscles, and tendons are growing at different rates.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the heel, often caused by repetitive stress or improper footwear.
Treatment
Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to the heel can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Custom Orthotic Devices: Our podiatrists design custom orthotics specifically for your foot structure using our exclusive technology. These orthotics provide proper support and cushioning for the heel, helping to alleviate pain.
Stretching Exercises: Stretching the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles can relieve tension and reduce load on the injured tissue.
Strength & Conditioning: Exercises to strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility, and correct abnormal gait patterns can be beneficial.
Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic cases of heel pain.
Non-Conservative Treatment
If the above interventions haven’t been successful your podiatrist may recommend more invasive forms of treatment including the following:
Corticosteroid Injections: For severe cases of plantar fasciitis or bursitis, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required to release the plantar fascia, remove heel spurs, or repair damaged tissues.
We Fix
Heel pain often improves with conservative treatment within 6-12 weeks. Persistent or chronic cases may require more intensive interventions, but the prognosis is generally good with appropriate care. Early treatment and preventive measures, such as wearing supportive footwear and maintaining a healthy weight and orthotic devices, can reduce the risk of recurrence. For more information book an appointment with one of our expert podiatrists today.