Every fall, I see more patients with heel pain. Why the uptick in heel issues? Often, it’s related to wearing sandals without proper foot support during the summer.
The most common heel condition that I treat is plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the tissue—or plantar fascia—that extends from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Stretching, orthotics and supportive shoes can help relieve the pain, but surgery may be needed when these methods don’t work.
Inflammation in the fat pad of the foot, known as bursitis, can also cause heel pain. Repetitive motion, like walking and running, or wearing shoes that irritate the foot, can cause bursitis. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications as well as corticosteroid injections generally reduce the inflammation and pain. If these first-line therapies don’t provide relief, surgery may be needed.
Heel pain may also indicate Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Achilles tendonitis can be treated non-surgically with ice, orthotics, and by immobilizing the foot with a walking boot.
If the nerve in the foot becomes irritated, it can also cause heel pain. While there are noninvasive options, like medications that help relieve nerve pain, patients often require decompression surgery to untrap the nerve causing the pain.
You don’t need to suffer from heel pain. To schedule an appointment, contact Wentz Foot & Ankle Specialists at 719-539-6600.
Dr. Ralph Wentz is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon in Salida and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.