Heel Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Heel pain is commonly seen in our clinics and is often caused by stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. You don’t have to suffer through the pain, however; there are treatment options available to you!
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Overview

Foot pain can be a common ailment experienced by all ages. Caused by a variety of factors, it often impacts an individual’s daily activities. Identifying the root cause of foot pain is crucial, as a diagnosis can help determine the most effective treatment plan. Possible causes of foot pain include nerve impingement, stress fractures, arthritis, bone contusions, or heel pain. In this article, we will explore some of the common causes and symptoms of foot pain that are related to the heel and treatment options – specifically, stress fractures in the heel and plantar fasciitis.

Stress Fractures in the Heel

Active individuals such as athletes often push their bodies to the limits to achieve their goals. However, increased activity can also lead to increased risk of injury – including stress fractures in the heel. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that is caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It can be a frustrating and painful injury for anyone. Stress fractures in the heel are specific to the calcaneus bone. When left untreated, this type of injury can significantly impact an individual’s overall quality of life. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms is of utmost importance.

Symptoms

Some common indicators of a stress fracture in the calcaneus bone include persistent pain in the affected area, swelling or bruising, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. The causes of stress fractures in the heel vary from individual to individual and are often attributed to overuse, high-impact activities, or underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis.

Treatment Options

Rest, offloading, and physical therapy are typically recommended to reduce pain and improve healing time in heel stress fractures. Following the recommended treatment is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury. In addition, proper footwear and supportive inserts can help decrease the risk of suffering from a stress fracture. Diagnostic tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scans can help confirm the diagnosis.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition that affects the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel bone to the toes on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis commonly occurs in individuals who stand for extended periods of time or who participate in activities that involve running or jumping.
Factors that predispose patients to Plantar Fascia Pain include:

  • Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
  • Select Exercises: Those who participate in long-distance running, ballet dancing, and dance aerobics are more inclined to experience plantar fasciitis.
  • Faulty foot mechanics. Being flat-footed, having a high arch, or even having an abnormal pattern of walking can adversely affect the way weight is distributed when standing. Any of these can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
  • Obesity. Excess pounds can lead to extra stress on the plantar fascia. Any amount of weight loss can help alleviate the pressure on the plantar fascia.
  • Occupations that keep individuals on their feet. Factory workers, teachers, and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces may experience damage to their plantar fascia.

Symptoms

The pain from plantar fasciitis can be quite intense, often causing discomfort and difficulty while walking. Patients with this condition can experience a sharp pain in their heel, which typically worsens after long periods of standing or rising from a seated position.

Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available, including rest, specific stretches, physical therapy, and the use of supportive footwear or orthotics. Preventive strategies such as weight loss and modifying an individual’s physical activity level can reduce the risk of reoccurrence. The following are proven remedies for plantar fasciitis:

  • Custom Orthotics: Orthotics provide stabilization to relieve the pain that comes along with strain, and they restore proper function of the foot. Even people experiencing minimal foot discomfort without a significant foot deformity can find relief in custom orthotics. As they are customized, they are molded exactly to the contours of each foot for a perfect fit and feel.
  • Night Splints: Night splints help stretch the plantar fascia while immobilized during sleep or rest. They also improve post-static dyskinesia, which occurs with the first step in the morning.
  • Steroid Injections: These injections consist of local anesthesia and a steroid, and they decrease the pain while reducing the inflammation at the source. Medical professionals can ensure the injections go right to the source of inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to address foot and ankle pain, while working towards healthier movement patterns and an improved lifestyle. Physical therapy can help overcome issues involving the mechanics or structures of the foot and ankle. It can also be a useful alternative to foot surgery and alleviate the root causes of foot deformities.
  • Shock Wave Therapy: While the term “shock wave therapy” has negative associations, this therapy improves blood flow and encourages the body to repair and heal itself. It does so by promoting an acute inflammation response. It is a noninvasive method that uses high-energy acoustic waves (shock waves) to deliver a mechanical force to the body’s tissues.

Conclusion

Foot pain can be a debilitating condition that affects individuals’ daily lives. Understanding the causes and symptoms is essential for providing the proper care and treatment early. Board-certified podiatrists can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of foot pain and offer their patients effective solutions that promote proper healing and long-term recovery. Early medical intervention, along with education on preventative measures, provides an excellent opportunity to minimize patient pain and suffering.

If you are experiencing foot pain, it is always recommended to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right care, you can regain your mobility and get back to your daily activities.

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FAQs

The first step is to rest and stop any high-impact activities. You can also alleviate your foot and apply ice to the affected area. Next, call your local board-certified podiatrist to make an appointment. The doctor will be able to evaluate the cause of your pain and recommend a treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, proper footwear, and supportive inserts.
You may be experiencing plantar fasciitis if your heel hurts when you walk or stand, and if it worsens after long periods of time. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot that runs from your toes to the back of your heel.
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to our clinics. Often, they are caused by stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. Other causes of heel pain include ill-fitting shoes, obesity, an abnormal gait, or injuries. The best way to address any heel pain is to make an appointment with a board-certified podiatrist.

Meet Weil Foot & Ankle Institute

Weil Foot & Ankle Institute was founded in 1965, by Dr. Lowell Weil Sr, who was inspired by a need to progress the Foot & Ankle Care category into the future through innovation. As one of the first Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Dr. Weil…
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By: Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Published: Nov 5th, 2024
Review By: Dr. Bilal Siddiqui – Nov 4th, 2024

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