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4 Possible Causes of Persistent Heel Pain
If persistent heel pain keeps you from participating in sports and other activities, discover the underlying cause. From plantar fasciitis to stress fractures, heel pain strikes people of all ages, and with the correct diagnosis, relief is in sight.
At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center, serving Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Celina, Texas,
Dr. Benjamin Clair evaluates your heel pain and uncovers the reason for chronic pain so you can get moving again.
4 common causes of enduring heel pain
Your feet provide a lot of support to your body and often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. If you experience frequent heel pain, there are many possible reasons for it. Here are four of the most common:
1. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of chronic heel pain. The plantar fascia tendon is a thick band that runs along the bottom of your foot and serves as a mobility aid. It helps you walk and run and absorb shocks. But when it’s overused, it gets tight and can lead to heel pain.
If you’re an athlete, spend a lot of time on your feet, or feel pain in your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, it could be plantar fasciitis.
2. Achilles tendinitis
Your Achilles tendon is another common source of foot pain. The Achilles tendon runs from your calf muscle to your heel bone. It helps you walk, run, and jump. If it becomes inflamed, you feel pain that can affect your activities. If left untreated, it worsens and becomes chronic.
Sometimes the pain is acute and can be sharp on occasion, while other times it’s persistent. Neither is ideal, and this type of pain is usually a result of an overuse injury. However, it can also stem from flat feet or other biomechanical problems.
3. Stress fractures
Some people have tiny cracks in their bones which are bound to be painful. This is most common in athletes who suddenly ramp up their activities, but anyone who experiences chronic foot or heel pain could have a hairline fracture in one of the small bones that comprise the foot and ankle.
4. Heel spurs
These bony protrusions are made of calcium and often accompany plantar fasciitis due to stress and inflammation. Over time, your body tries to compensate by building a wall in the form of bony tissue.
Other causes of heel pain can include poorly fitting shoes, biomechanics (flat feet, high arches, or gait), or tarsal tunnel syndrome, which impacts your tibial nerve.
Expert advice
If you have chronic heel pain, don’t ignore it. Without treatment, it could get worse. If you’re in the McKinney, Texas, area, call our office or request an appointment online today. Dr. Clair can evaluate your foot and ankle health, medical history, and lifestyle to diagnose your heel pain and help you find relief.