Heel pain can make walking, exercising, working, and completing everyday activities uncomfortable. It may develop from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, stress injuries, bursitis, or nerve irritation.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists provide professional heel pain evaluations and personalized treatment in Stamford, Connecticut. We identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your condition, activity level, and foot structure.
If heel pain is affecting your mobility or preventing you from participating in your usual activities, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a symptom that can have several possible causes. Pain underneath the heel may be related to a different condition than pain at the back or sides of the heel.
Common causes of heel pain include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch becomes irritated or inflamed. It commonly causes pain underneath the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for an extended period.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It may cause pain, stiffness, tenderness, or swelling at the back of the heel.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. Heel spurs are often associated with long-term strain on the plantar fascia, but they do not always cause pain.
Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. Runners, athletes, and people who suddenly increase their physical activity may be more likely to develop this type of injury.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when a small, fluid-filled sac near the heel becomes inflamed. It can cause tenderness, swelling, and pain during movement or when pressure is applied.
Heel Pad Irritation
The natural cushioning underneath the heel can become irritated, bruised, or thinner over time. This may cause a deep, aching pain in the center of the heel.
Nerve Irritation
A compressed or irritated nerve may cause burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain around the heel and foot.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in physically active children and adolescents. It typically develops during periods of rapid growth.
Heel Pain Symptoms
The location and timing of your symptoms can help determine what may be causing your heel pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain underneath the heel
- Pain during the first steps in the morning
- Pain after sitting or resting
- Aching after standing for an extended period
- Pain at the back of the heel during activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the heel
- Swelling, redness, or warmth
- Burning, tingling, or numbness
- Pain after increasing exercise or physical activity
Schedule an evaluation if the pain continues, keeps returning, or affects your ability to walk comfortably.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical attention if you hear or feel a sudden pop, cannot put weight on your foot, experience significant swelling after an injury, or notice an open wound or signs of infection. Patients with diabetes, circulation problems, or reduced sensation should contact their doctor about new foot pain, redness, swelling, or wounds.
How Heel Pain Is Diagnosed
An accurate diagnosis is essential because different causes of heel pain require different treatments. Treating the symptoms without identifying the underlying condition may only provide temporary relief.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Ask when your heel pain began
- Review activities that make the pain better or worse
- Examine the location of your tenderness
- Evaluate your gait and foot structure
- Check the flexibility of your foot and ankle
- Examine the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- Review your footwear and activity level
- Look for swelling, weakness, or changes in sensation
Diagnostic imaging may be recommended when necessary. An X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI can help evaluate the bones and soft tissues or rule out an injury such as a stress fracture.
Finding a heel spur on an X-ray does not necessarily mean that the spur is causing the pain. A complete examination can help determine whether the symptoms are related to the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, heel pad, nerves, or another structure.
Heel Pain Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of the heel pain, the severity of the symptoms, and how long the problem has been present. Most heel pain conditions can initially be managed using conservative treatment.
Your treatment plan may include:
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing high-impact activities may give irritated tissues time to recover. Your podiatrist can recommend appropriate activity changes based on your diagnosis.
Supportive Footwear
Shoes with proper cushioning, arch support, and heel stability can help reduce pressure on the heel. Worn-out, unsupportive, or poorly fitted shoes may contribute to recurring symptoms.
Stretching and Physical Therapy
Stretching exercises may help improve flexibility in the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve strength, mobility, and foot function.
Padding, Taping, and Bracing
Padding or taping may reduce pressure on painful areas and provide additional support. Depending on the condition, a night splint or brace may also be recommended.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may help when foot structure, arch problems, or abnormal movement contributes to heel pain. These devices are made to support the feet and distribute pressure more evenly.
Medication or Injection Therapy
Medication or injection therapy may be considered when appropriate. Your podiatrist will explain the potential benefits and risks before recommending this type of treatment.
EPAT and Shockwave Therapy
EPAT and shockwave therapy may be recommended for certain persistent soft-tissue conditions. These nonsurgical treatments use pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in the affected area.
Immobilization
A walking boot may be used for certain injuries or severe inflammation. Immobilization reduces pressure on the heel and allows the affected tissues to rest.
Surgery
Surgery is generally considered only when symptoms do not improve with appropriate conservative treatment. If surgery is necessary, your podiatrist will discuss the recommended procedure, expected recovery, and alternative options.
Why Choose Preferred Footcare?
Heel pain can have many possible causes. Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment that addresses the source of your symptoms.
Patients choose Preferred Footcare for:
- Comprehensive foot and ankle evaluations
- Personalized heel pain treatment plans
- Conservative care whenever appropriate
- Advanced nonsurgical treatment options
- Ongoing guidance to help prevent recurring symptoms
- Convenient podiatric care in Stamford, Connecticut
Our podiatrists will explain your diagnosis, discuss the available treatment options, and help you make an informed decision about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Pain
What is the most common cause of heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain underneath the heel. Pain at the back of the heel may be associated with Achilles tendinitis, bursitis, or another foot and ankle condition.
Why does my heel hurt when I get out of bed?
Heel pain during the first steps of the morning is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia can tighten while the foot is at rest and become painful when weight is placed on it again.
Do heel spurs always cause pain?
No. Some people have heel spurs without experiencing any symptoms. Pain that appears to come from a heel spur may instead be caused by irritation of the plantar fascia or nearby tissue.
Can heel pain go away without treatment?
Mild heel pain may improve with rest, activity modification, supportive footwear, and appropriate stretching. However, persistent or recurring heel pain should be evaluated to identify its cause.
Can custom orthotics help with heel pain?
Custom orthotics may help when abnormal foot movement, arch structure, or uneven pressure contributes to the condition. A podiatric evaluation can determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for you.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
You should schedule an appointment if your heel pain persists, keeps returning, interferes with walking, or is accompanied by swelling, numbness, or weakness. Immediate evaluation may be necessary following a significant injury or if you cannot put weight on the affected foot.
Schedule a Heel Pain Evaluation in Stamford, CT
You do not have to continue adjusting your activities around heel pain. Preferred Footcare can evaluate your symptoms, identify the underlying condition, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online to schedule a heel pain evaluation in Stamford, Connecticut.
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