Heel pain is a very common problem that can occur for several reasons, including Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Today Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center are sharing 4 common causes of heel pain and treatment options.

4 Common Causes of Heel Pain

1. Plantar Fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the tissues that connect the toes to the heel become partially torn or inflamed. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
2. Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is also quite common and happens when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf to the heel, pulls on the heel and becomes inflamed. Swelling of the Achilles tendon will be painful due to muscle tearing and fractures. The absence of flexibility is also another sign of this condition.
3. Heel Spurs: When the tissues of the plantar fascia experience a lot of stress, it can cause ligament separation from the heel bone, resulting in heel spurs.
4. Stress Fracture: Heel pain can also be caused by damage to the bone, such as a stress fracture, bone bruise, or when the fatty pad located on the bottom of the heel wears away

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

• For immediate results, you should treat heel pain as quickly as possible. Maintaining a stress-free environment for your feet will help with this.
• If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, icing the foot will decrease swelling.
• Stretching before exercising will benefit the muscles.

Many patients suffer from bouts of heel pain; these tips will help make your heel pain a thing of the past. It’s recommended that anyone who is dealing with heel pain consult with a podiatrist to determine the source of their pain so a treatment option can be put in place.

If have any questions, please contact the offices of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. Click here to locate the office nearest you and schedule an appointment today!