Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common complaint and has many potential causes. At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, foot and ankle specialist Benjamin Clair, DPM, recommends scheduling an appointment when you have heel pain to reduce the risk of further damage. Dr. Clair determines the source of your discomfort and develops a plan to relieve it. Call the office today or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.

Why do I have heel pain?

You can develop heel pain from any number of causes. Your feet and ankles are complex body parts that support your weight during locomotion. They’re strong, but excess stress can damage the supportive tissues, leading to heel pain. 

Common causes of heel pain include:

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and occurs from irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia. 

Achilles tendinitis

The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscle to the heel bone. With Achilles tendinitis, you may have pain in the upper part of the heel after exercise. 

Stone bruise

A stone bruise is an injury to the fat pad on the bottom of your heel. This type of injury occurs when you step on a hard object like a rock.
 

Heel spur

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms on the bottom of the heel bone. This condition usually occurs in people with plantar fasciitis. 

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae sacs that cushion the soft tissues in the ankle. 

Fractures

Foot fractures may also cause heel pain. 

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist for heel pain?

You should schedule an appointment at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center if you have heel pain that fails to improve within a few days of at-home care, or if the pain is severe and affects your ability to go about your daily routine. 

Dr. Clair is an experienced, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who takes a patient-centered approach to care. He conducts a thorough history and physical to determine the cause of your heel pain so he can create the most effective treatment plan.

For your convenience, Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center offers on-site X-rays.

What are the treatments for heel pain?

Dr. Clair customizes your heel pain treatment plan based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Orthotics
• Taping
• Stretching exercises
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

Though it may take some time, heel pain usually improves with conservative care. Dr. Clair only recommends surgery if medical interventions fail to ease your pain and it can give you the best possible outcomes.

Call Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about treatments that can ease your heel pain.