Many conditions cause heel pain. The podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay have offices located in Wesley Chapel, Riverview/Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center and can discuss your possible causes of heel pain and treatment options.

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a common foot and ankle complaint that can usually be relieved with rest, stretching, and orthotics. However, you can feel heel pain behind or underneath the heel.

Plantar Fasciitis

One condition that causes heel pain is called plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, a ligament that connects your heel to the front of the foot. These ligaments face wear and tear due to the increased pressure because it acts as a shock absorber and supports the arches of your feet.

The heel pain that comes with plantar fasciitis can develop over time and is worst in the morning, when you take steps after sitting or lying down for a while, and with climbing stairs.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

There are many treatments for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, and the podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay, located in Wesley Chapel, Riverview/Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center, have experience treating this ailment and can discuss your options, including braces, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.

Other Causes of Heel Pain

Several other problems can cause heel pain, and they include:

• Bursitis: occurs when fluid sacs that cushion your joints swell, causing pain and swelling. This swelling is a result of spending a lot of time on your feet.
• Bone bruise: also known as a contusion, occurs when you step on a hard or sharp object, causing heel pain and tenderness when you walk.
• Heel spurs: bony growth caused by chronic plantar fasciitis
• Haglund's deformity: chronic inflammation caused by an abnormal bone bump that forms in the back of the heel.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

For the most part, non-surgical treatments can help relieve heel pain. However, your podiatrist can discuss various treatment options available, and they include:

• Injections: Steroid injections ease pain and swelling for plantar fasciitis and bursitis.
• Pain relievers: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also ease pain and swelling.
• Orthotic devices: Made over-the-counter or custom-made, can help relieve pressure on the heel. In addition to inserts, other orthotic devices can help with heel pain, including walking boots, wearing supportive shoes, and night splints.
• Physical therapy: Therapy, including massage and ultrasound therapy, can break up any soft-tissue adhesions to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching exercises and taping: Your podiatrist can give you specific stretching exercises and how to support the arch of your feet and heel with medical tape.

Heel pain is very treatable. However, if you ignore your heel pain, it can lead to chronic and more severe problems requiring more intense intervention.

Please call the podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay at one of their offices in Wesley Chapel, Riverview/Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center to make your heel pain consultation appointment at (813) 788-3600.