Heel Pain

Heel pain can make walking and standing challenging, interfering with work and leisure activities. If you develop heel pain, visit Stephanie Parks, DPM, and Justin Ward, DPM, at Bosque Foot and Ankle in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They offer expert diagnosis and treatment for problems like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and other painful foot conditions. Call Bosque Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online today for prompt, effective heel pain care.

What causes heel pain?

Conditions likely to cause heel pain include:

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is fibrous connective tissue extending from heel to toe and supporting your arch. Inflammation affecting the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) is a leading cause of heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis pain is intense, with the bottom of your heel feeling very tender. The pain typically worsens after long periods of sitting or lying down, then eases when you move. However, walking or standing for too long often worsens again.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that sometimes develop alongside plantar fasciitis, causing similar heel pain.

Achilles tendonitis

Tendonitis that develops in the Achilles tendon (the thick connective tissue attaching your calf muscle to your heel) often results from overuse inflaming the tendon fibers. It can worsen without treatment, causing Achilles tendinosis (tissue breakdown).

Fractures

Fractures in the heel bones could be acute, where the bone snaps suddenly or develops slowly from repeated overuse (stress fractures).

How is heel pain diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your heel pain, the Bosque Foot and Ankle team conducts a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and assesses your medical history, lifestyle, and current health.

They also watch you walking, evaluating how you bear weight and identifying any gait abnormalities. Your podiatrist might recommend diagnostic imaging tests, such as digital X-rays, ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, to examine the bones and tissues inside the heel.

What treatment will my heel pain require?

Depending on your heel pain’s cause, you might benefit from the following:

• Hot and cold therapy
• Taping or splinting
• Stretching exercises
• Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Specialized shoes
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

Most patients find one or several of these treatments effective in resolving heel pain. However, if your condition doesn’t improve or you have a severe injury that can’t heal properly, the Bosque Foot and Ankle team may recommend surgery.

One example is plantar fascia release. This involves cutting the plantar fascia tissue to relieve tension and inflammation. Your podiatrist might also remove heel spurs. Complex heel pain surgeries include pinning badly broken bones and reconstructing torn tendons or ligaments.

Call Bosque Foot and Ankle to arrange a diagnostic appointment for heel pain. You can also schedule a consultation by completing the website’s online booking form at any time.