Dealing with heel pain isn’t always as simple as you thought it would be. Maybe you’ve been caring for your feet and resting but heel pain is still plaguing you. Whether this is your first time dealing with heel pain or you’re dealing with recurring pain, Dr. Mukesh Bhakta and the team at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center can provide you with relief.
Causes of Heel Pain
In most cases, heel pain is the result of overuse. The two main overuse injuries that lead to heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of the heel that may extend to the arches while Achilles tendonitis can result in pain above the heel bone. Both require rest for the inflamed tissue to heal properly.
Other causes of heel pain include,
- Bursitis
- Heel spurs
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Nerve impingement
- Stress fracture
- Arthritis
Treating Heel Pain
If your symptoms are mild then you may simply care for your heel pain on your own. Some of the best ways to ease heel pain on your own include:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory to reduce pain and swelling
- Icing the heel or rolling a frozen water bottle along the arches of the heel
- Stretching the heel, foot, and ankle several times a day
- Resting and elevating the foot
- Avoiding high-impact or strenuous activities
- Wearing supportive shoes and socks (do not go barefoot)
When to See a Podiatrist
If your heel pain is minor you may have tried to simply rest and treat the pain on your own. There is nothing wrong with this! However, if your symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse after a few days of rest and home care, then it’s time to turn to the foot and ankle pros for treatment. You should also see us right away (rather than trying to treat heel pain on your own) if:
- You are unable to walk or put weight on the affected foot
- You are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot
- You have diabetes or nerve damage in your feet
- Your pain or swelling is severe
Click on the Heel Pain Instructions (PDF file) for treatment options.
Heel Pain Instructions (PDF file)