Heel Pain Specialist

Why does my heel hurt?

If you regularly suffer from heel pain, know that you aren’t alone. Your heels are incredibly durable, but they’re also susceptible to wear and tear. 

Heel pain typically isn’t the result of an injury. Usually, it develops slowly and becomes more severe over time. Pain can affect any part of your heel including just behind it, underneath it or on the sides. The location and severity of your heel pain can help alert you to the underlying cause. 

Most instances of heel pain resolve on their own with conservative measures of treatment. However, if your symptoms persist or negatively interfere with your quality of life, it’s important to seek professional medical help. 

What are some of the common causes of heel pain?

Heel pain usually isn’t the result of an accident or sports-related injury. In most cases, it develops as a result of repetitive stress, such as running or pounding of the heel. 

At Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry, the team regularly treats people experiencing heel pain that’s caused by:

Plantar fasciitis

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from your heels to your toes. Activities like standing for long periods of time or running can cause small tears to form in your plantar fascia. If these tears become inflamed, it can cause inflammation and significant heel pain, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. 

Heel bursitis

Bursa are fibrous sacs of fluid that help cushion and lubricate your joints. If you land awkwardly on one of your heels or wear ill-fitting shoes, you might develop bursitis. Pain caused by bursitis is dull and throbbing and affects the back of your heel. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs if a large nerve in the back of your heel becomes compressed. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common types of compression neuropathy that affects the feet. 

Achilles tendinosis

Achilles tendinosis, also known as Achilles tendonitis, is a chronic degenerative condition that affects the integrity of your Achilles tendon. As the ailment progresses, your Achilles tendon weakens, thickens, and starts causing pain. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

At Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry, the team diagnoses heel pain by physically examining your feet and ankles, reviewing your medical history, and asking about the symptoms you’re experiencing. If necessary, your provider might also order X-rays or a bone scan to get a closer look at the underlying structures of your feet.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment for heel pain depends on the source and severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the providers at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry use conservative measures of care to relieve pain, including physical therapy, at-home exercises, and prescription orthotics. 

If these methods of care are unable to treat your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

To access safe, effective treatment for your heel pain, make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry. Call or use the online booking tool today.