Why Do I Have Heel Pain?

Wondering why your heel hurts? Your Tyler, TX, podiatrist, Dr. James Kent of East Texas Foot & Ankle Center, can diagnose the source of your heel pain and recommend treatment options.

Common causes of heel pain

Heel pain can occur for many reasons, including:

  • A Stone Bruise: If the pain started after you stepped on a small toy or another object, you may have a stone bruise on the bottom of your heel. In most cases, the bruises get better on their own in just a few weeks.
  • Thinning Fat Pad: As you get older, the fat pad that cushions the bottom of your heel becomes thinner, which can lead to pain. Orthotics, custom shoe inserts designed by your Tyler, TX, foot doctor, improve cushioning and help reduce heel pain.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that connects your toe to your heels becomes inflamed. You may experience a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning or when you stand or walk after sitting for a while. Night splints, cortisone injections, physical therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy can ease plantar fasciitis pain.
  • Bone Spur: Bone spurs are calcium deposits that can be very painful if they develop under your heel. You may be more likely to develop a bone spur if you've had plantar fasciitis, have an abnormal gait, wear unsupportive shoes or are overweight. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and orthotics can be helpful if you have a heel spur.
  • Achilles Tendonitis or Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: Both of these inflammatory conditions cause similar symptoms, including pain at the back of the heel, swelling and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis affects the long, thin tendon at the back of your heel, while Retrocalcaneal bursitis occurs when the bursa, a sac that helps the Achilles tendon glide over the heel bone, becomes inflamed. Treatment for these conditions include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound therapy, heel cups or shockwave therapy.

Do you have heel pain? Call your podiatrist in Tyler, TX, Dr. Kent of East Texas Foot & Ankle Center, at (903) 939-3668 to schedule your appointment.

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