Our Services / Heel Pain

What is heel pain?

Heel pain refers to aching or discomfort that occurs at the back of your foot. Everyone experiences heel pain occasionally, but if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or prevent you from routine tasks, it could point to a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis.

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Strains
• Sprains
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis

You might also experience heel pain due to osteochondrosis, a group of disorders that affect the bones of children and teens. 

When should I see a podiatrist for the treatment of heel pain?

Make an appointment with the team at Inland Podiatry Group if you regularly experience heel pain and it doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication. That’s especially true if:

• The pain is severe
• You can’t walk because of the heel pain
• Your heel is swollen
• The pain occurs suddenly

Following a complete exam, your podiatrist can determine the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

To diagnose heel pain, your Inland Podiatry Group provider reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, what they’re like, and if any activities like standing or exercising make them worse.

Next, your provider has you take off your shoes and socks so they can examine your feet, toes, and heels. During the exam, they gently press on your heel to locate areas of warmth, tenderness, or swelling. They also have you walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture.

If these steps don’t provide enough insight into the source of your heel pain, your provider orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures can rule out issues like fractures, bone spurs, or a dislocated joint.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment of heel pain depends on several factors, including your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the team at Inland Podiatry Group recommends conservative treatments, including:

• Resting as much as possible
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Icing your heel
• Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well
• Wearing a night splint to stretch your foot while you sleep
• Using a heel lift or shoe inserts to reduce pain

If your heel pain continues or gets worse, surgical intervention might be necessary. Inland Podiatry Group has an ambulatory surgical center on-site that offers minimally invasive procedures in a state-of-the-art environment.

To receive treatment for chronic heel pain, make an appointment at Inland Podiatry Group by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.