Heel Pain Specialist

What causes heel pain?

Your heel bears the weight of your body and this pressure can often lead to gradual changes in your heel structures that cause pain.

You may also develop heel pain if you wear ill-fitting shoes or damage the tendons and ligaments that support your ankle and foot during sports, frequent running, or other strenuous activities.

Some of the most common causes of heel pain Dr. Burgess diagnoses and treats include:

• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is another condition that can lead to chronic heel pain. This condition describes a pinched nerve in the back of your foot that leads to persistent feelings of pins and needles in your foot and ankle.

If you have underlying medical issues like diabetes that interfere with your blood circulation, you may also experience complications that lead to chronic heel pain.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

During your evaluation for heel pain, Dr. Burgess takes time to review your medical history and your existing health. She also discusses your usual routine and the activities you do for exercise.

As part of a physical exam, Dr. Burgess checks for signs of swelling, bruising, and tenderness on and around your heel. She may request X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out fractures and confirm your diagnosis.

How is heel pain treated?

There are a variety of treatment options for heel pain available at InStride Queen City Foot and Ankle Specialists. Dr. Burgess often starts with conservative care to relieve your pain and improve your mobility. This may involve over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories and limitations in certain physical activities to keep pressure off your heel.

In some cases, physical therapy is beneficial for stretching and strengthening the muscles that support your heel, foot, and ankle. If pain is preventing you from therapy, Dr. Burgess may recommend injections of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and provide you with long-term pain relief.

If your pain is caused by arthritis or structural defects in your foot, you may benefit from custom orthotics. These devices fit into your shoe to relieve pressure on your heel that causes pain. Dr. Burgess uses digital technology to ensure the orthotics fit your foot perfectly.

When you have chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or tissue tears, Dr. Burgess can determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery. Surgery focuses on repairing or removing damaged tissue to provide you with long-term pain relief and restore the function of your heel and foot. Surgical intervention may also be necessary to reduce pressure on nearby nerves in conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Find out more about treatment options for your persistent heel pain by calling InStride Queen City Foot and Ankle Specialists or request an appointment online today.