If you find it painful to let your heels touch the ground and wonder what’s causing your pain, you’re not alone. Heel pain is one of the most common podiatric complaints — and something our team of providers regularly treats here at Manhattan Podiatry Associates, PC, in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
Several conditions can contribute to heel pain, so the only way to know what’s causing yours is a comprehensive exam and a review of diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the potential sources of heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes — becomes inflamed. Many people describe plantar fasciitis pain as an intense stabbing in their heel or along the bottom of their foot.
Pain that occurs first thing in the morning or when standing after periods of rest is one of the biggest warning signs of plantar fasciitis.
Certain athletic events, including long-distance running, being overweight, standing on your feet, and having flat feet or high arches can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis — a condition named after a Greek hero who had weak heels — refers to inflammation of your Achilles tendon. When this tendon is inflamed (often as the result of a repetitive strain), it can cause pain and stiffness in the back of your heel.
Achilles tendonitis starts as a mild discomfort, but over time it becomes more severe, especially after a workout or prolonged time on your feet.
You have several bursae, fluid-filled sacs, throughout your body, including your ankle. These sacs provide cushioning between your bones and soft tissue. If these bursae are irritated, it’s called bursitis.
When bursitis occurs in your ankle, it causes swelling, tenderness, and pain around the joint, often exacerbated by movement.
This is especially true if your subcutaneous calcaneal bursa is affected since this bursa sits right on the base of your heel. The swelling and tenderness can make it hard to put your heel on the ground.
Heel spurs are bony calcium deposits on the underside of your heel bone that can cause sharp pain, particularly when you’re standing or walking.
Heel spurs are caused by long-term strain on the muscles and ligaments of your foot, often due to repetitive activities like running or jogging. They can also develop from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, obesity, or wearing poorly fitted shoes that place excessive stress on your heel bone.
You might suspect you have a heel spur if you have needle-like or stabbing pain when you first walk in the morning. After a few steps, the sharp pain can turn into a dull ache.
Believe it or not, it’s possible to break your heel bone. Referred to as a calcaneus fracture, this is a disability injury. It’s often the result of a traumatic event, such as falling off a ladder and landing poorly.
Each of these conditions requires different treatment, so getting the right diagnosis is key to regaining functionality in your feet.
You might have a good hunch about what’s causing your heel pain, but it’s good practice to seek medical attention. Your Manhattan Podiatry Associates provider examines your heel and may order X-rays to assess your bones and determine if you have any comorbid conditions such as heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.
“Comorbid” refers to having two conditions at once, and that’s something our team factors in when working with complex treatment planning.
Be prepared to answer questions such as:
Depending on your diagnosis, our team may recommend medication, a walking cast, orthotics, steroid injections, MLS laser therapy, activity modifications, or surgery.
Don’t suffer from heel pain in silence. Schedule an appointment with our team today, and let us get to the bottom of your pain!
