Key Takeaways:
- Heel pain is one of the most common foot issues among both adults and children. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.
- Causes and types of heel pain vary depending on your age and lifestyle. Some heel pain is caused by athletic injuries, while others by specific medical conditions.
- Most home remedies will help ease your heel pain, but in certain cases, only a podiatrist can fully diagnose the cause and give you a plan of treatment.
Heel pain is one of the most common podiatric issues patients suffer. Our heels take a beating every day, from the weight of our bodies to constant walking or standing. Even wearing improper shoes or stepping off a curb incorrectly can cause heel pain.
If you’re suffering pain in one or both of your heels, the experts at Plymouth Podiatry have helpful advice and tips for you.
Common Causes and Types of Heel Pain
Heel pain is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Heel pain has a multitude of causes, including:
- Athletic injuries
- Other types of injuries
- Improper shoes
- Certain medical conditions:
- Arthritis
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Irritated growth plates in children
Heel pain diagnoses include:
Plantar fasciitis
This is the most common type of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the strip of tissue that runs from the base of your toes to your heel. When it’s overworked or torn, the tissue inflames, causing plantar fasciitis. It usually feels worse in the mornings when you first get out of bed and feels better as your foot warms up.
Achilles tendinitis
The hard strip that connects the bottom of your calf to the back of your heel is called the Achilles tendon. When it’s overworked without proper rest, it can become inflamed and possibly swollen or stiff, causing terrible heel pain.
Haglund’s Deformity
Also known as “pump bump,” because it typically results from wearing stiff high-heel shoes that form a bump at the back of your heel.
Stress fracture
Common in athletes, this is another case of overuse without proper rest. A stress fracture can start as minor pain and, without treatment, can lead to hairline fractures in the bones of your feet that cause all-over heel pain.
Bone bruise
If you step down too hard on your heel, it may cause a bruise to the bones, so your heel feels tender for a while.
Sever’s Disease
This heel pain is exclusive to children between the ages of 8 and 14. It’s caused by an irritation of the still-developing growth plate at the backs of their feet.
When to See a Doctor
Some heel pain requires a podiatrist’s help to heal. See a doctor as soon as possible if:
- Home remedies don’t help after a week
- The pain is too severe to walk
- There’s swelling or stiffness in the rest of your foot or heel
- You’ve recently suffered an injury
- The pain is sudden or intense
- There’s an open wound that won’t heal, especially in people with diabetes
Your doctor will run a series of tests, including possible X-rays, to determine the cause and type of your heel pain. They will then prescribe you a course of treatment.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Many types of heel pain can be treated at home. Other times, you may need more advanced treatments that only your doctor can prescribe and perform.
Home Remedies
The most common home remedy for heel pain is the RICE method:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Certain stretches and store-bought orthotics may help, as well.
Consider changing your shoes to more supportive ones that will protect your feet throughout the day, especially if you stand or walk on hard surfaces a lot.
Advanced Options
Depending on the type and severity of your heel pain, your doctor may recommend:
Shockwave therapy
This is a non-invasive, non-medicated treatment that stimulates blood flow to the affected area. It’s rarely considered painful or causes side effects, and the healing effects can last up to 15 weeks after treatment.
Physical therapy
Your doctor may prescribe professional physical therapy designed to address the source of the heel pain and help you get stronger. Physical therapy sometimes includes massage or ultrasound therapy to break up the inflamed tissue.
Custom orthotics
Some foot conditions require custom orthotics that are designed for your unique foot shape and gait. These can’t be bought over the counter and fit inside your shoes to help you prevent future pain.
Cortisone injections
Some types of pain and swelling can be reduced with the help of direct steroid injections.
FAQ: Heel Pain
Q: Is there any way to prevent heel pain?
A: Yes! There are several things you can do to help prevent heel pain:
- Wear well-fitting shoes with plenty of arch support.
- Stretch your calves and Achilles’ heels
- Gradually build up your exercise routine, rather than overdoing it as a beginner
- Replace your old shoes as they wear out
While there’s no way to 100% prevent heel pain, doing these things can significantly reduce your risk of tears, fractures, strains, and sprains.
Q: What are the risk factors for heel pain?
A: Several factors may put you at a higher than normal risk of heel pain, including:
- Obesity
- Wearing high heels
- Standing all day
- Wearing worn-out shoes
- Certain medical conditions, such as flat feet, high arches, pinched nerves, or arthritis
Q: Does heel pain ever go away on its own?
A: For some types of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain may go away on its own. However, the process can take several months and requires a great deal of rest. It’s best to try home recovery first and see a doctor if those don’t work.
We Treat Heel Pain
Whatever type of heel pain you have, the doctors at Plymouth Podiatry are here to help. Whether it’s heel pain treatment in Lakeville, every patient receives care so they can live the pain-free life they deserve.
For a foot pain clinic in Raynham and the surrounding areas, contact us to learn how we can help you feel better.