Heel Pain: Common Causes and Treatments

Does your heel hurt? Although heel pain affects millions of people every year, a podiatrist can help you achieve relief with little expense or trouble. Dr. Humaira Syed of Reds Ankle & Foot Associates (with offices in Fort Lee, Wayne, and Clifton, NJ) offers treatments for heel pain; read on to learn about its common causes and treatments!

Causes of Heel Pain 

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, and can result from poor arch support. It causes a stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel, which is usually worst in the morning. Plantar fasciitis can also cause stiffness and limited range of motion, making actions such as climbing stairs more difficult.

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury related to the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. Symptoms include pain or inflammation in the back of your heel. Walking or excessive exercise commonly causes achilles tendinitis. If this foot condition grows worse, your tendon can tear, so if you think you may have it, you should see a doctor; you may need medicine or surgery to relieve your discomfort. 

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths on the heel bone. They often start in the front of the heel and eventually affect other parts of the foot. Heel spurs can cause heel discomfort and can make it difficult to stand, walk, or exercise. Heel spurs are common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 

A stress fracture is severe bruising within a bone or a crack in a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by repetitive activity and overuse. Stress fractures are common in people who participate in running sports. The symptoms of stress fractures include pain and inflammation.

Treatments for Heel Pain

Podiatrist-prescribed orthotic devices are one of the best ways to treat heel pain. Orthotic devices are cushioned inserts or foot pads that are placed into shoes. Orthotic devices provide cushioning and arch support for added shock absorption. Studies show that podiatrist-prescribed orthotic devices improve function and relieve heel pain.

Cortisone injections also offer quick relief for heel pain. Cortisone is a type of steroid and it is used to ease pain and swelling in specific areas of the body, generally for a couple of months. You can get cortisone shots at your podiatrist's office. 

Podiatrists prescribe stretching exercises for various foot ailments. Stretching exercises are an important adjunct to therapy for many foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, foot pain, and Achilles tendonitis. Studies show that stretching exercises decrease foot pain, increase flexibility, improve function, and reduce inflammation. 

Night splints can help relieve heel discomfort. They work by holding the feet in a neutral position while you sleep to provide a gentle stretch to the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. This helps to reduce muscle contracture, discomfort, and swelling. You can wear a splint every night for several months before gradually reducing how often you wear it as symptoms disappear.

Interested? Call One of Our Offices in Fort Lee, Wayne, and Clifton, NJ, Today!

Whether your goal is getting back to the gym, work, hobbies, or just enjoying life, our podiatrist can help. Don't wait—call Reds Ankle & Foot Associates at (973) 692-1111 to schedule a consultation in Fort Lee, NJ, Wayne, NJ, or Clifton, NJ. Our heel pain treatments will ease your pain and help you get back to a happy and healthy life!