Heel Pain

Conditions and injuries ranging from bursitis and plantar fasciitis to bone spurs and fractures can result in heel pain. This discomfort and pain can make walking, running, and jumping difficult. At Advanced Ankle and Foot Center in Columbus, Georgia, highly skilled podiatrist specialist John Schoppe, DPM, diagnoses and treats heel pain. As an experienced foot doctor and podiatric surgeon, Dr. Schoppe specializes in the causes of heel pain and can help you find relief. Get started today by calling the office to schedule an assessment. Or request an appointment online, which is fast and quick.

What causes heel pain?

Common causes of heel pain include the following:

Heel spurs 

Plantar fasciitis causes heel spurs to grow on the heel bone. Calcium deposits form due to repeated stress on the heel bone. They can be but aren’t necessarily painful.

Plantar fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This condition happens when the plantar fascia (tissue connecting your heel bone to the ball of your foot) overstretches, resulting in inflammation and pain that’s most severe first thing in the morning. 

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic or long-term problem.

Haglund’s deformity 

This bony enlargement at the back of the heel is usually caused by wearing high-heeled shoes.

Bursitis

Bursitis refers to painful inflammation affecting the bursa sac. The bursa sac cushions and lubricates the area where the heel bone and Achilles tendon meet.

Injuries 

Heel bone injuries like bone bruises and fractures can cause sharp pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the heel. 

What other foot conditions can affect my heels? 

Other problems that affect the foot include the following: 

Gout 

While gout is most common in the big toe, it can affect the heel bone. A form of arthritis can develop when hardened uric acid crystals in the bloodstream build up in joints. 

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness that occasionally worsens at night.

Achilles tendinitis 

Tendinitis develops when the Achilles tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel bone stretches abnormally or strains. This causes inflammation and pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.

Gait abnormalities 

Your gait (how a person walks) can cause foot pain and increase the risk of heel pain. For instance, excessive pronation (where your ankle rolls too far inward) is an abnormal angle that stretches the tendons and ligaments, putting pressure on the heel bone.

Additional causes of forefoot pain include bunions, hammertoe, and Morton’s neuroma. 

What are some treatments for heel pain?

Dr. Schoppe uses conservative heel pain treatments in most cases, in addition to any combination of the following:

• Strapping
• Taping
• Footwear modifications and changes
• Custom-fitted orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

It’s improbable that you’ll need surgery for heel pain, but if you do, Dr. Schoppe is a highly skilled foot doctor and podiatric surgeon. You’re in good hands under his care.

Call Advanced Ankle and Foot Center to schedule an evaluation or request an appointment online for effective heel pain treatment.