What is heel pain?

Heel pain refers to stiffness, discomfort, or swelling that affects the area at the back of your foot just beneath the ankle. It typically ranges in severity depending on the underlying cause. 

Most types of heel pain respond to at-home treatments like ice, rest, and elevation. If your symptoms persist or interfere with your ability to work or exercise, don’t wait to seek professional help.

What causes heel pain?

Common causes of heel pain include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains 
• Strains
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Osteochondrosis (bone growth disorders)

You might also experience heel pain due to a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.

When should you visit a podiatrist regarding heel pain?

If you experience heel pain, try resting your feet or taking over-the-counter pain medication. If your pain continues to bother you for more than a week or two, contact Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC. That’s especially true if your pain is severe, occurs suddenly, or prevents you from walking or other normal activities. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

To diagnose heel pain, the team at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC examines your heel and asks about your symptoms. Then, they gently press on your heel to pinpoint areas of swelling, sensitivity, or warmth. Afterward, they have you walk around the exam room and perform a series of easy exercises. That allows them to observe your gait and posture.

If the team suspects an underlying problem like a fracture or arthritis is the source of your discomfort, they might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is heel pain treated?

The team at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC recommends conservative treatment for heel pain whenever possible. After pinpointing the cause of your symptoms, they might recommend:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation 
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Wearing heel pads or inserts
• Custom orthotics
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Night splints
• Physical therapy

If none of these measures provide relief, the team might recommend heel surgery, but only as a last resort. That’s because surgery takes a long time to recover from and may not always relieve the pain.

To receive treatment for heel pain, make an appointment at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC. Click the online booking tool, or call to speak with the administrative team today.