Common Causes of Heel Pain

Many different factors may contribute to heel pain. When heel pain is a minor issue, you may be lucky enough that it goes away by itself. However, if your heel pain doesn't resolve after several days of rest, it should be addressed ASAP. Addressing it promptly prevents it from progressing into a more serious issue that disrupts your life by way of pain and discomfort. Dr. Therese Losi from Estrella Foot & Ankle will make a recommendation for treatment with the highest chance of success in eliminating your heel pain in Phoenix, AZ.

What Are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

The correct cause of your heel pain must be determined for successful treatment. An accurate diagnosis is always the first step in choosing a treatment strategy.

The most common causes of heel pain are:

• Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia that runs along and supports the arch of the foot
• Trauma to the foot and/or ankle from an accident
• Bone spurs
• Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury to the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel
• Arthritis
• Bursitis of the heel involves swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel bone

There are also less common causes of heel pain, such as:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: There is a 'tunnel' in your ankle that encases the nerves leading to the foot. The space in this tunnel can decrease for a variety of reasons, leading to pinched nerves and heel pain
• Sever's disease: Sever's disease results from the heel cone growing faster than other structures of the lower leg, causing them to overwork. This is most commonly seen in children
• Haglund's syndrome: This consists of a bony prominence on the back of the heel.
• Osteomyelitis: Infection or inflammation of the heel bone
• Systemic conditions
• Bruising or atrophy of the heel pad
• Bony abnormalities such as stress fractures

What Are the Treatment Options for Heel Pain?

Dr. Losi will recommend the treatment strategy that has the highest chance of ridding you of your pain. Various treatment options exist for the type of heel pain that you have, which may be completely different than for another person.

Hopefully, more conservative treatment options will be enough to resolve your pain. However, more severe cases may require more involved care. Treatment options for your heel pain in Phoenix, AZ are:

• Avoidance of aggravating activities and rest
• NSAIDs and painkillers
• Cortisone injections
• Custom orthotics
• Preventative diabetic foot care
• Physical therapy for targeted stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles that surround and support the heel

We try to avoid surgery, but it may be necessary when conservative measures have failed to relieve the pain. In severe cases such as severe trauma or other deformities to the heel, surgery will likely be considered as a first option.

Contact Us Today

Treat your heel pain in Phoenix, AZ. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Losi at Estrella Foot & Ankle by calling (623) 640-1799.