Do you ever find yourself suffering from tender, aching heels after prolonged periods of standing or walking?

Are you experiencing discomfort in your heels when you first get up in the morning?

Perhaps the back of your heel feels sore or painful. If you identify with any of these symptoms, you may be dealing with heel pain.

Types of Heel Pain:

1. General Heel Pain: The heel of the foot bears significant pressure during walking, running, or standing. Over time, this repetitive pressure can lead to heel soreness. As we age, the natural cushioning around the heel diminishes, which can also contribute to general heel pain.

2. Plantar Fasciitis: This involves inflammation of the dense band of tissue known as the plantar fascia, extending from the base of the heel bone to the toes. Excessive stretching and pulling of the plantar fascia can cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in heel pain, arch discomfort, or even the development of a bone spur.

   Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

   • Extended periods of standing
   • Obesity or sudden weight gain
   • Rapid increase in activity levels
   • Mechanical or structural foot imbalances
   • Wearing shoes lacking proper support
   • Tight calf muscles
   • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
     
     

3. Heel Spur Syndrome: A heel spur, or calcaneal spur, is a small bony growth located on the heel bone (calcaneus). Repetitive pressure and excessive tension on the plantar fascia can lead to calcium deposits forming on the underside of the heel bone, resulting in a bone spur. This can make it challenging to bear weight on the affected heel, making activities like walking or exercising difficult.

   Heel spurs may also be associated with certain medical conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. A radiological examination (x-ray) can be employed to detect a heel spur.

Treating Heel Pain:

Heel pain often responds positively to non-surgical, conservative treatments. It’s crucial to have a foot specialist assess your condition to determine the underlying issue and establish an appropriate treatment plan. At Locke Street Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, our experts offer a range of effective treatments for heel pain:

• Advanced sports taping techniques
• Properly fitting, supportive footwear
• Custom orthotic devices
• Cortisone injections
• Night splints
• Physical therapy
• Laser therapy

For a small percentage of individuals, conservative treatments may not suffice. In such cases, surgery may provide the solution to alleviate your heel pain.

Don’t let heel pain hold you back. 

Schedule an appointment with Locke Street Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, where our experienced foot specialists are dedicated to getting you back on your feet comfortably and confidently.