Heel Pain

Heel pain is a foot problem that affects over two million Americans annually. It typically isn’t something to worry about, but if the pain affects your mobility or quality of life, seek treatment immediately. At Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, board-certified podiatrists Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, regularly treat heel pain caused by heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule heel pain treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is soreness, tenderness, or aching that affects any part of your heel (the very back of your foot). Almost everyone occasionally experiences heel pain due to an injury or general wear-and-tear. However, if your symptoms continue for more than a few days, it could indicate an underlying problem like heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Does heel pain warrant a trip to the podiatrist?

Make an appointment at Capital Podiatry Associates if you suffer from severe heel pain that continues for a week or more. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside redness, swelling, or warmth and prevents you from walking.

What causes heel pain?

Capital Podiatry Associates treats heel pain caused by various foot problems, including:

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone. Anyone can experience them, but they commonly affect runners and other athletes due to the repetitive stress on the heel during athletic activities.

Plantar fasciitis

This heel pain occurs when the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, tears or stretches, causing inflammation. Like heel spurs, plantar fasciitis is most common in runners, other athletes, and generally active people.

Achilles tendinitis

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel. It’s large and strong but susceptible to wear-and-tear. Activities like running and playing sports can inflame the Achilles tendon, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling at the back of your heel.

Haglund’s deformity

Also called a “pump bump,” Haglund’s deformity is a large, inflamed lump at the back of the heel, often caused by footwear. For example, high heels and pumps can irritate this area and make the symptoms worse.

How is heel pain treated?

Capital Podiatry Associates takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating heel pain. They could recommend:

• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
• Stretching exercises to relieve tight tendons and muscles
• Taping to support the arch of your foot or heel
• Physical therapy
• Custom-fitted orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Shockwave therapy
• Immobilization with a walking cast, boot, or splint

Most heel pain improves with time and doesn’t require surgery.

Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule heel pain treatment, or book your appointment online.