Heel pain seldom originates in the heel bone. Instead, it begins when ligaments and tendons that are attached to the heel become injured and inflamed. Board-certified podiatrist Daniel Pero, DPM, at Integrative Foot and Ankle in West Palm Beach, Florida, has extensive experience diagnosing the cause of your heel pain and providing effective therapies that get you back on your feet. To get expert care for heel pain, book an appointment online or call the office nearest you.

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What causes heel pain?

Heel pain can develop from several problems, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bone spurs
  • Heel bursitis
  • Stress fractures
  • Nerve irritation
  • Arthritis

Gait abnormalities that place extra stress on your heel can also be the source or heel pain. Of all the possible causes of heel pain, however, plantar fasciitis is the most common.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that runs from your heel to your toes becomes inflamed. This ligament, the plantar fascia, helps to absorb shock and supports your arch.

Inflammation may occur because of:

  • Flat feet or high arches
  • High-impact activities
  • Repetitive movements
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Tight Achilles tendon
  • Overpronation (turning your foot inward)

Plantar fasciitis is also the primary cause of painful heel spurs.

What other symptoms develop along with heel pain?

You may also experience pain in the arch, pain along the Achilles tendon, and pain that increases over time. The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain that’s worse when you take your first steps in the morning or after taking a rest.

How is heel pain treated?

Dr. Pero determines the best treatment based on the underlying problem, how long you’ve had the condition, and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment may begin with therapies you can perform at home.

If your pain persists after a few weeks, Dr. Pero adds conservative therapies, such as:

  • Immobilization
  • Padding and strapping
  • Orthotic devices
  • Injection therapy
  • Removable walking cast
  • Night splint
  • Physical therapy

When your heel pain fails to improve with conservative therapies, Dr. Pero may recommend:

Minimally invasive procedures

Dr. Pero may recommend a Tenex™ or TenJet™ procedure. Tenex uses ultrasonic energy to precisely remove damaged and scarred tissue on the ligament or tendon, while TenJet eliminates diseased tissues using a high-velocity saline solution.

Regenerative medicine

Dr. Pero injects platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and/or stem cells, precisely placing them at the damaged tissues causing your heel pain. The platelets accelerate healing and stem cells regenerate the new cells needed to repair your tendon or ligament.

Low-level laser therapy

Low-level lasers, also called cold lasers, pass safely through your skin to reach injured soft tissues, where they boost cellular metabolism, reduce inflammation, promote new tissue growth, and relieve pain.

Surgery

If you still have heel pain after several months, Dr. Pero talks with you about surgical options, recommending the approach that’s most beneficial for you.

If you need relief from heel pain, call Integrative Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online.