What Is Causing Your Heel Pain?

At Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Angelo Pace treats patients in Alexandria, VA, with heel pain. Heel pain is common because our heels take a lot of impacts every day. Read about the most common causes of heel pain and come see us if you are concerned about the health of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the thick band of muscle that runs along the sole of the foot.
Inflammation of the plantar fascia is called plantar fasciitis and it can be very painful. Symptoms are pain at the back of the foot, and it is usually most intense when you first get up and start moving or after a bout of strenuous activity.

Plantar fasciitis is common in runners and people who spend all day on their feet, but most cases are mild and can be helped with icing, anti-inflammatory drugs, and stretching exercises. You should still see your Alexandria, VA, foot doctor if you are in pain. Your doctor will recommend exercises for you and may prescribe orthotics to wear in your shoes to help relieve pain while you walk.

Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon connects the back of the foot to the calf. It can become inflamed due to overuse or a sudden increase in strenuous activity. Symptoms are pain behind the heel and directly above the heel. You may also notice swelling or a limited range of motion.

If you have Achilles tendonitis your doctor will recommend a mix of rest from strenuous activities and focus on appropriate exercises in physical therapy. To help reduce swelling you can elevate the foot, ice the heel, and use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Heel Surgery

Heel surgery is typically only recommended in cases of severe and chronic heel pain. An osteotomy procedure involves cutting the metatarsal bone and aligning it with the other bones in the foot to relieve pressure and pain. This also prevents a heel callus from forming.

If you are in pain and you have never been diagnosed, it's important to see a podiatrist. The cause of your pain could be a combination of factors and Dr. Angelo Pace can diagnose and treat your heel pain. Contact Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center for an appointment in Alexandria, VA. Call our Walker location at (703) 971-7100 and our Sherwood location at (703) 360-9292.