Heel Pain Specialist

What conditions cause heel pain?

Many conditions can lead to heel pain, the most common of which is plantar fasciitis. This syndrome occurs when the fibrous band of tissue (plantar fascia) that connects your heel to your toes becomes irritated and inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spur syndrome, which occurs when calcium deposits (spurs) protrude from the heel bone.

Other causes of heel pain include:

• Stress fractures
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bursitis (joint inflammation)
• A bony enlargement at the back of the heel (Haglund’s deformity)
• Arthritis
• Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
  
  

Heel pain often builds over time and may be related to long hours on your feet at work, flat arches, or wearing shoes that lack support. Injuries sustained during an accident at work or home can also cause persistent heel pain.

How is the cause of heel pain diagnosed?

Dr. Kane starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. Often, the type of pain you are  experiencing helps identify the issue causing it. Plantar fasciitis, for instance, generally causes a stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel and discomfort in the arch of your foot. It is often worse in the morning when you first get up or after you’ve been sitting for a while and then put weight on your foot as you stand.

During your appointment, you can also expect a thorough physical exam of your ankle and foot, often followed by X-rays and other imaging studies to accurately diagnose the source of your discomfort. Dr. Kane then develops a treatment plan that is customized for your situation and condition.

What is the treatment for heel pain?

Treatment for heel pain depends on the condition(s) causing your discomfort and often includes conservative therapies, such as:

• Resting your foot by avoiding, if possible, activities that stress your heels
• Icing the heel for 15-20 minutes three times a day
• Changing to appropriately supportive shoes
• Over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation and pain, such as ibuprofen
  
  

Dr. Kane might also recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Injections to relieve inflammation and pain
• Custom-fitted shoe inserts to evenly distribute pressure to your feet
• Surgery as necessary
  
  

You don’t have to live with heel pain. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Kane at Chicago Surgical Clinic by calling the office or using the online booking feature.