What Causes Heel Pain? Our Podiatrist Explains

Heel pain is common and is frequently what brings patients in for their first podiatrist appointment. You may be wondering, though: what causes heel pain? Among the most common causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, but a condition called bursitis can also cause severe heel pain. Our podiatrist explains more below.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain can be debilitating and have many causes. Some of the most common root issues of heel pain include:

Plantar fasciitis – tearing or inflammation of the band of muscle that connects the toes to the heel
Achilles tendinitis – injury to the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf
Heel pad syndrome – deterioration of the fat pad that makes up the heel
Bursitis – a painful condition that affects the bursa between the joints.

Heel pain can cause stiffness, swelling, aching, and shooting pains.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joints. With heel bursitis, the main bursa is between your Achilles tendon and the heel bone. When this becomes inflamed, it causes pain in the heel. Symptoms of bursitis include joint stiffness, pain with movement, swelling or redness, and heel pain that worsens as the day goes on.

Risk factors include age, tight shoes, abnormal foot structure, repetitive overuse or injury to the heel, and conditions such as arthritis.

How To Treat Bursitis

Prevention includes comfortable supportive shoes, with heel support pads if necessary, rest, orthotics, physical therapy, and aspiration to remove the fluid from the inflamed bursa. In severe cases (which are rare), a bursectomy might be needed to remove a stubborn, painful bursa. If you have debilitating pain in your heel or are unable to move your foot or walk properly, contact our podiatrist immediately.

What Causes Heel Pain? Contact Our Podiatrist Today To Find Out More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

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Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

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Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.