Each one of your feet absorbs about 60 tons of stress for every mile you walk, so it’s no surprise that heel pain is the most common foot problem. The expert podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago diagnose and treat all causes of heel pain, including plantar fasciitis. If you have pain beneath or behind your heel, don’t hesitate to call or book an appointment online today.

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What foot problems cause heel pain?

There are many possible causes of heel pain, which is why it’s important to see the professional podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists for an accurate diagnosis. In general, conditions that cause heel pain fit into two main categories:

Pain beneath the heel

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain at the bottom of your heel. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot from heel to toes becomes irritated and inflamed. Running and jumping too much can irritate this tissue.

Pain behind the heel

The Achilles tendon attaches the muscles of your lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is a common running injury that causes pain at the back of your heel. This condition may also cause a swollen bump behind your heel that feels warm and tender to the touch.

What are symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Most people describe plantar fasciitis pain as a stabbing sensation in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually the worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. A few minutes of walking may reduce heel pain by stretching the plantar fascia.

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis pain becomes worse over time. You may also develop a heel spur, which is a calcium deposit that looks like a bony protrusion projecting off your heel bone. Heel spurs are visible on an X-ray.

How is heel pain diagnosed and treated?

First, your provider at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history, and performs a physical exam. They may take an X-ray to look for a bone spur or less common causes of heel pain, such as a fracture.

Then, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists develops an individualized treatment plan for your specific condition. Most conditions that cause heel pain to improve with nonsurgical treatments, including:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Wearing supportive shoes
  • Modifying activities to rest the heel
  • Oral anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen
  • Wearing custom orthotic insoles
  • Padding, taping, or strapping the foot
  • Wearing a night splint
  • Anti-inflammatory steroid injections

If your heel pain is severe or doesn’t go away with treatment, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend surgery.

To find relief from heel pain, call Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online today.