Heel pain is the most common foot problem today. At Basin Podiatry in Odessa, Texas, board-certified podiatrist Hillary Brunner, DPM, can help you find the cause of heel pain and prescribe treatments that relieve your discomfort quickly. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and Sever’s disease are all very treatable, especially when you seek help early. To schedule your consultation, call the office or click on the online booking tool today.

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain has numerous causes, including:

Plantar fasciitis

The leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, happens when the ligament at the bottom of your foot becomes overstressed. Tiny tears in the tissue trigger sharp heel pain, especially when you stand and take the first couple of steps every morning. Plantar fasciitis usually affects just one foot.

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis occurs with repeated stress on the Achilles tendon that runs along the back of your lower leg and into your foot. Heel pain from Achilles tendonitis usually manifests as a deep ache in the lower leg or back of the heel. It normally affects one side of the body.

Sever’s disease

Sever’s disease mainly affects children and teenagers who are still growing (about ages 8-14). Overuse, often from being very physically active, can cause repetitive microtrauma in the growth plates within the heel bone, leading to pain in the back of the heel. It often affects both heels.

Many other conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, stress fractures, Haglund’s deformity, and nerve entrapment, can also cause heel pain. The best way to find out what triggers your heel pain is a foot exam at Basin Podiatry.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Dr. Brunner reviews all your symptoms and conducts a foot exam to look for the cause of your heel pain. In most cases, she performs an X-ray to confirm or rule out bone problems. You may need an ultrasound or other imaging tests to look for soft tissue problems.

How is heel pain treated?

Dr. Brunner considers your symptoms, diagnosis, and lifestyle when designing a treatment regimen that meets your needs. Some of the main treatments for heel pain are:

  • Oral anti-inflammatory medication
  • Custom orthotics
  • Changing your shoes (with better arch support and heel padding)
  • Stretching exercises
  • Taping

Severe and long-lasting heel pain may require more aggressive approaches tailored for the condition. For example, corticosteroid injections can help with severe heel pain from plantar fasciitis but are rarely used for tendon issues like Achilles tendonitis.

Dr. Brunner is a highly trained foot surgeon who can also perform procedures to correct structural issues and damage inside your heel, as needed.

Basin Podiatry has a solution for your heel pain, so don’t wait to find out how they can help. Call the office or click on the online booking tool today.