Common Causes of Heel Pain

There are many causes of heel pain. A minor issue with your heel may go away on its own, but if it doesn't resolve after a few days of rest, you should consult with a podiatrist ASAP. Addressing the problem sooner rather than later prevents it from worsening into a more severe issue. Dr. Jason White from Podiatry Solutions of WNY will suggest a  treatment strategy that has the highest chance of success in eliminating your heel pain in Lockport, and Williamsville, NY.

What Are Some Common Causes of Heel Pain?

An accurate diagnosis of the root cause of your heel pain must first be determined for treatment to be successful. 

Heel pain is most commonly caused by:

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

Not as common causes of heel pain are: 

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrists/hands, a 'tunnel' exists in your ankle that envelops nerves that lead to the foot. When the space in this tunnel is decreased, which can happen for a variety of reasons, it leads to pinched nerves and heel pain.
• Sever's disease: This condition is most commonly seen in children and results from the heel cone growing too fast. Other structures of the lower leg can't keep up with its pace of growth, causing them to overwork.
• Haglund's syndrome: 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

How Is Heel Pain Treated?

Treatment is determined by the specific type of heel pain that you have and what is causing it. A treatment strategy will be suggested that has the best chance of ridding you of pain.

Conservative treatment options will hopefully be enough to resolve your pain. But, more severe cases may require more involved care. Treatment options for your heel pain in Lockport, NY Williamsville, NY include:

• Avoidance of aggravating activities and rest
• NSAIDs and painkillers
• Cortisone injections
• Custom orthotics
• Preventative diabetic foot care
• Physical therapy for targeted strengthening and stretching exercises for muscles and other structures around the heel.

Avoiding surgery is preferred, but surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative measures have failed to relieve pain. Surgery will likely be recommended as the first option in more severe cases, such as heel pain that results from trauma to the heel.

Contact Us

Treat your heel pain in Lockport, and Williamsville, NY. Schedule a consultation with Dr. White at Podiatry Solutions of WNY by calling our Williamsville office at (716) 634-5993 or our Lockport location at (716) 434-6601.