Heel Pain Specialist

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain is a symptom of several conditions, including:

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is severe inflammation in your Achilles tendon, which can cause pain in the back of your heel bone.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is serious inflammation in the tissue band that links your heel and toes. It usually causes sharp pain on the bottom of your heel.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are incomplete bone breaks that happen with daily impact. These can cause pain anywhere in your heel.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are calcium growths on the underside of your heel. In rare cases (1 in 20 patients), they can cause pain on the bottom of your foot.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. It can begin with nonhealing foot wounds but may also start internally. In the heel bone, osteomyelitis can cause severe heel pain that may mimic plantar fasciitis.

Arthritis

Some forms of arthritis, including gout and osteoarthritis, can cause pain in the back or bottom part of your heel.

Some of these conditions — for example, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs — can occur simultaneously. 

When should I see the podiatrist about heel pain?

Minor heel soreness isn't always serious. In some cases, it goes away, never to return, after a day or two. If you have sharp, burning, or persistent pain that disrupts your activities, it's time to schedule an appointment to get to the bottom of the problem. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Your South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers doctor checks your foot, reviews your medical history, and asks about your heel pain. They test your foot strength and coordination, as well. Bring a pair of shoes that you wear every day to your appointment, so your doctor can examine the wear patterns on the soles. 

Depending on the potential reasons for your heel pain, you might need X-rays. This imaging can show structural problems inside your foot and eliminate fractures as the cause of your heel pain. 

How do you treat heel pain?

You can start with the RICE protocol at home — rest, ice application, light compression, and elevation. The podiatrists may recommend conservative options like a night splint, prescription orthotics, and physical therapy for persistent heel pain. 

The team offers cutting-edge treatment protocols, including Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser treatments and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to help you fight heel pain more effectively and recover faster. 

Call South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online for heel pain treatments today.