Heel Pain

Heel pain diagnosis and treatment in the Dallas County, TX: Dallas (Garland, Richardson, Addison, Zacha Junction, Highland Park, University Park, Rowlett, Coppell); Tarrant County, TX: Arlington, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Colleyville; Collin County, TX: Carrollton (Plano, Frisco), and Denton County, TX: Lewisville, The Colony, Hackberry, Little Elm, Highland Village areas

Heel Pain Treatment in Dallas & Carrollton, TX

Heel pain is a frequent complaint among people who visit a podiatrist. It can have a variety of causes, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, Sever’s disease, and nerve pain. The location and type of pain that you are experiencing helps guide diagnosis.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. It is caused by repetitive and excessive stress being placed on the heel, usually from participating in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping. The heel pain is usually described as a sharp, stabbing pain and is at its worst when you take your first few steps after a long period of rest, such as upon getting out of bed in the morning. Similarly, Achilles tendonitis is also an overuse injury, but of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The heel and back of the leg may be tender, painful, and swollen. Bursitis is an inflammation of the heel bursa, small fluid-filled sacs located inside the heel. It can cause redness and swelling in the fat pad of the heel. Sever’s disease is an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel which most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. Nerve pain in the heel, while less common than pain from overuse, is often indicated by burning, stinging, or tingling sensations in the heel. These are usually caused by a compressed nerve.

Treatment for your heel pain will depend on your diagnosis. Frequently suggested treatments include activity and footwear modifications, orthotics, over-the-counter pain medications, and resting and icing the affected foot. Surgery can sometimes be necessary for more severe or chronic injuries. To find out what is causing your heel pain and how best to treat it, please consult with a podiatrist.

Heel Pain

What are the most common causes of heel pain?
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This is usually caused by repetitive overuse from running or other sports activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Other potential causes for heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, fat pad atrophy, Sever’s disease, Haglund’s deformity, and arthritis. 
How do I know if my heel pain is serious?
The best way to determine if your heel pain is a serious cause for concern is to see a podiatrist who can determine the underlying cause of your pain and provide you with treatment options. It is particularly important to seek medical attention if your pain is severe, makes it difficult to walk, gets worse over time, or if your heel is swollen, numb, or tingling, or if pain is milder but lasts for more than a few weeks and does not improve with home treatment. 
What are possible treatments for heel pain? 
Home treatments for milder heel pain typically include the R.I.C.E. method. Resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected heel can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain medications may also relieve symptoms. In the doctor’s office, treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the heel pain. Conservative treatment options include activity and footwear modifications, wearing orthotics, and doing stretching and strengthening exercises. If these treatments don’t produce the desired results, other potential treatments can include immobilizing the foot with a splint or cast or injection therapy to reduce pain. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.  
Can heel pain go away on its own? 
Milder heel pain can go away on its own given rest and adequate time to heal, particularly if there is no specific underlying condition that can prevent healing or make the pain worse. Often home treatment and resting the foot can be adequate to relieve heel pain in these cases. However, heel pain should not be ignored. If you are experiencing heel pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who will be able to find the cause of your pain and determine the best course of treatment for you. 

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Dallas County, TX: Dallas (Garland, Richardson, Addison, Zacha Junction, Highland Park, University Park, Rowlett, Coppell) and Irving (Grand Prairie, Cockrell Hill); Tarrant County, TX: Arlington, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Colleyville; Collin County, TX: Carrollton (Plano, Frisco), and Denton County, TX: Lewisville, The Colony, Hackberry, Little Elm, Highland Village areas