Heel Pain

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain is stiffness, sensitivity, or discomfort at the back of your foot. Sometimes, it’s the result of general wear-and-tear, but it can also point to an underlying health problem or injury, such as:

• Inflamed tendons
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Sever’s disease (a common cause of heel pain in children)
• Bone spurs
• Tendinitis

Another common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis –– an overuse injury most common in athletes and people who work on their feet.

Who is at risk of experiencing heel pain?

Anyone can experience heel pain, but various factors can increase your risk, including:

• Wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support
• Playing a sport with lots of running or jumping
• Spending lots of time standing, especially on hard surfaces
• Being overweight

The shape of your foot may increase your risk of heel pain. For example, you’re more likely to experience heel pain with flat feet or high arches.

Does heel pain require medical care?

Make an appointment at Chicago Foot Specialists if you have severe heel pain that prevents you from walking normally or bending your foot downward. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms, like tingling or numbness.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

The Chicago Foot Specialists team reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. They gently press on your heel and the surrounding areas to identify sensitive spots and have you walk back and forth, observing your gait and posture.

Next, the team orders X-rays to check for arthritis, fractures, bone problems, or joint damage. They use the information gathered to help guide treatment.

How is heel pain treated?

The Chicago Foot Specialists team offers various treatments for heel pain, including conservative and surgical options. They may recommend the following:

• Custom orthotics
• Laser therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Stem cell injections
• Physical therapy
• Ice, rest, and elevation
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Taping

If your heel pain continues, even after conservative treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. The Chicago Foot Specialists team regularly performs minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery to relieve pain and encourage mobility.

Call Chicago Foot Specialists today to explore the treatments for heel pain, or book your appointment online.