Heel Pain

Heel pain can make everyday activities like walking, exercising, or simply standing uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms developed gradually or appeared after an injury, finding the underlying cause is important for lasting relief. At Prime Foot and Ankle Care in South Brunswick, New Jersey, Nrupa Shah, DPM, diagnoses and treats heel pain using personalized solutions designed to reduce discomfort and restore mobility. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain is a common foot problem that can affect the bottom, back, or sides of your heel. Symptoms may develop from overuse, an injury, improper footwear, or an underlying foot condition.

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which occurs when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot becomes irritated or inflamed.

Other potential causes of heel pain include:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Heel spurs
• Bursitis
• Stress fractures
• Arthritis
• Nerve irritation
• Sports or overuse injuries
• Sever’s disease in children and adolescents

Dr. Shah evaluates your symptoms to determine the cause of your heel pain and recommends an appropriate treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of heel pain?

Heel pain can feel different depending on its cause. You might experience:

• Sharp or stabbing heel pain
• Aching or throbbing
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
  
• Stiffness
• Pain when standing or walking
• Discomfort after exercise
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot

Plantar fasciitis often causes significant pain with your first steps after getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting ofr an extended period.

When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?

Occasional mild heel discomfort may improve with rest and at-home care. However, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shah if your pain is severe, keeps returning, interferes with your daily activities, or doesn’t improve.

You should also seek medical attention if heel pain develops after an injury or occurs with significant swelling, difficulty walking, or an inability to bear weight on your foot.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Dr. Shah reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, activity level, footwear, and when your heel pain occurs. She also examines your foot and ankle and may assess your gait, flexibility, strength, and areas of tenderness.

When necessary, she may recommend on-sie-X-rays or other diagnostic imaging to identify fractures, heel spurs, arthritis, or other conditiones affecting your foot.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice
• Stretching exercises
• Supportive footwear
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Injections
• Immobilization

If conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Shah can discuss additional treatment options based on your diagnosis.

Don’t let persistent heel pain interfere with your mobility and quality of life. Schedule a heel pain evaluation at Prime Foot and Ankle Care by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.