Heel Pain FAQs

What causes heel pain?

Because of the natural way you walk, your heel bone is often the first part of your foot to hit the ground with each step you take. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on your heel bone just by going about your normal daily activities. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

• Arthritis

• Bursitis

• Nerve Irritation

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel Spurs

• Stress Fractures

• Achilles Tendinitis

You even have a high risk of suffering from heel pain due to your inherited foot shape. If you have flat feet or overly high arches, for instance, your plantar fascia becomes strained. This can lead to plantar fasciitis, which is among the top causes of heel pain.

When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?

Heel pain isn’t anything you should ignore or put off another day. After all, it’s nearly impossible to stay off of your feet all day, meaning it can be challenging to give an inflamed heel bone time to heal. You should schedule an evaluation with one of the expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialty Clinic if your heel pain is:

• Flaring up before or during exercise

• Associated with tenderness or inflammation

• Affecting the way you walk

• Causing you to miss work

• Not improving after several weeks

Your podiatrist performs a comprehensive examination to evaluate your foot and related symptoms. They may even request an in-office X-ray or ultrasound to help confirm your diagnosis, so you can get started on treatment right away.

How is heel pain treated?

Your heel pain treatment is likely going to include several different types of solutions that help your heel bone heal while also minimizing pain and inflammation. Treating heel pain can include:

• Custom Orthotics

• Specialized Padding

• Strapping and Taping

• MLS Laser Treatments

• Stretching Exercises

• Bracing, Casting, or Splinting

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Some causes of heel pain ultimately require surgery. If you have a heel spur that is irritating your plantar fascia, for instance, your podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialty Clinic might need to remove it surgically. No matter which type of treatment is right for your specific heel pain condition, the team works diligently to help you recover.

Start your heel pain treatment at Utah Podiatry, a foot & ankle clinic, and get the relief you need. Use the convenient online scheduler to request an appointment or call either office directly.