What Causes Heel Pain?

Stonetown Podiatry Group, serving San Francisco, CA, and the nearby region, sees patients regularly who come in for bothersome heel pain. Fortunately, Dr. Richard Rolfes and Dr. Jasper Lee offer treatments that can target the root of the problem and help alleviate your pain. It's important, though, to understand the potential causes.

Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue that runs from your heel bone to your toes. With this particular condition, you notice pain in your heel, particularly, in the bottom of your heel. Often, with this issue, you experience a mild ache in the back of the affected leg or above the heel. However, more severe pain is possible. Tenderness and stiffness may arise, and these issues are usually worse in the morning. 

This issue may stem from increasing your running performance, either by intensity or duration. If you play certain sports, such as basketball or tennis, you're also at risk. Your chances of developing it are higher if you're middle-aged.

Achilles Tendinitis 

Achilles tendinitis affects the Achilles tendon -- a band of tissue that runs from your heel bone to your calf muscle. When you overuse this tendon, it becomes inflamed and causes you pain. 

Runners and individuals who only participate in sports like basketball and tennis on the weekends are more susceptible to this injury. The individuals most affected are those who are middle-aged. This is because, although this condition is from repeatedly working the tendon, age can weaken the tendon, making it more vulnerable to injury. Increasing the intensity of your physical activity abruptly and significantly increases your risk as well. 

Usually, Achilles tendinitis begins as a dull or mild ache that extends directly above your heel bone. In more serious cases, the pain can be severe. This is especially the case if you continue to train and ignore the initial pain. 

Bursitis 

You have a bursa between your Achilles tendon and the heel bone. When you overwork it, you could experience heel pain. The heel pain tends to worsen when you stand on your tiptoes. Serious cases can lead to you having difficulty moving your ankle or foot. Besides pain and movement issues, you may visibly have swelling. Tenderness and a change of skin color are also possible. 

Dancers and athletes are most at risk, which is why our doctor in San Francisco, CA, will want to know about your lifestyle. 

Don't let heel pain stop you from doing what you love or functioning in general. Dr. Rolfes or Dr. Lee of Stonetown Podiatry Group, serving San Francisco, CA, and the general vicinity, can help. You can reach us at (415) 731-6700.