Heel Pain Specialist

What causes heel pain?

Your heel is the largest bone in your foot. Heel pain most often occurs from faulty biomechanics that place too much stress on the bone and the tissues that support the heel. The repetitive stress may then lead to injuries of the tissue, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Common conditions that cause heel pain include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bone spurs
• Achilles tendonitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Foot injuries
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Excessive pronation
• Bone bruise
• Flat feet

With a condition like plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia), you may also experience arch pain. This type of pain may run from your heel to the ball of your foot. In addition to plantar fasciitis, flatfoot is also a common cause of arch pain. 

What are heel pain symptoms?

Heel pain symptoms may vary depending on the cause. For example, with plantar fasciitis, you may only experience heel pain when you first wake up in the morning or after you finish your exercise routine. 

Other heel pain symptoms include:

• All-day pain
• Swelling, inflammation, and tenderness
• Warm to the touch
• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation
• A decrease in range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight on your heel

Heel pain may develop from any number of causes. If your pain is affecting your daily life, it’s time to take action. Dr. Sloan is an experienced podiatrist and can find and treat the root cause of your heel pain so you can get back to your active lifestyle. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

When you visit Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sloan conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your heel or arch pain. During your exam, he reviews your symptoms, exercise habits, and daily routine. He may also ask about the types of shoes you wear.

He examines your heel and foot and may request diagnostic testing such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or vascular testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle is a full-service podiatry practice, and these diagnostic tests are performed in-house. 

How is heel pain treated?

Dr. Sloan develops individualized treatment plans for heel and arch pain based on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Cortisone injections
• Strapping or taping to reduce strain
• Custom-made orthotics 

Dr. Sloan has training in biomechanics, which helps him design orthotics that provide the support your heel and arch need to reduce pain and improve function. He is also an expert in various surgeries that can relieve heel pain.

To schedule a consultation at Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle for your heel pain, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.