Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common problems your podiatrist treats. If you are suffering from heel pain, the pain can make it difficult to enjoy an active life. Don’t worry, because your podiatrist has several effective heel pain treatments to get you back on your feet.

You can develop heel pain from a few causes, including:

• Stepping on hard or sharp objects, which can cause a heel bruise
• Developing excess calcium deposits, which can cause a heel spur
• Inflammation of the tissue on your heel, which can cause plantar fasciitis

Any of the causes listed above can cause moderate to severe heel pain, but plantar fasciitis is the most severe. Plantar fasciitis causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running across your heel.

When you have plantar fasciitis, you may experience:

• Stabbing pain across your heel when you stand
• Heel pain which is worse in the morning
• Pain across your heel and on the side of your foot

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by:

• Overpronation, or rolling your feet when you walk
• Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods
• Doing high impact activities like jogging or running

For mild heel pain, you can try a few simple home remedies like these:

• Placing an ice pack on your heel several times each day
• Doing arch stretches several times each day
• Elevating your feet when you can, to take pressure off your feet
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Wearing heel inserts inside your shoes to cushion your heels

Moderate to severe heel pain should be evaluated by your podiatrist. There are several treatment options your podiatrist may recommend, including:

• Custom-made orthotics and footwear to provide support
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy and stretching to improve flexibility
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation

Heel pain is a common foot problem, but one which is easily treatable. Relief from heel pain is just a phone call away. To find out more about the causes and treatment of heel pain, call your podiatrist today.