Heel pain has many causes. Heel pain can even make you alter the way you walk, causing gait abnormalities that can radiate pain and other problems to your knees, hips, and back.
Heel pain has many causes. Heel pain can even make you alter the way you walk, causing gait abnormalities that can radiate pain and other problems to your knees, hips, and back. While some causes of heel pain (such as heel spurs) can be alleviated by changing to different footwear, you should always see your podiatrist for pain and discomfort that lasts more than several days.
Some common causes of heel pain include the following:
- Achilles tendon injury—This tendon is the largest in your body and it connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Debilitating pain and swelling in this tendon from excessive exercise and sporting activities are very common and need to be promptly treated by your foot doctor to avoid a possible severe tear or rupture.
- Plantar fasciitis—The wide band of tissue that forms the bottom of your arch is called the plantar fascia. When this tissue becomes stretched or even torn due to excess stress and pressure, the result is severe discomfort. The pain is felt in the arch and can also be felt in the heel where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis often first exhibits as morning pain in the heel that decreases when you put weight on your foot. This condition can quickly worsen without prompt attention.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome—A large nerve that travels behind your heel in an area called the tarsal tunnel can become injured or diseased, causing a painful burning and tingling feeling. This condition can have similarities to other causes of heel pain, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are experiencing heel pain, the foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors that includes Geoffrey C. Epstein, DPM, Matthew J. Tavroff, DPM, Stuart B. Leon, DPM and Robert J. Leon, DPM is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
