Dr. Robyn Joseph
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
Diplomate: American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Certified Wound Care Specialist Physician
Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Over 10% of American suffer heel pain everyday. While heel pain can be caused a number of different issues, Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause. Most causes of heel pain are treatable.
About Heel Pain
What causes pain in the heel of the foot?
Most cases of heel pain are caused when a band of tissue in the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes injured, suffers some tears, and then can thicken.
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Among most common ways this tissue is damaged are:
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Age
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Certain types of exercise
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Foot mechanics
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Barefoot Walking without Proper Support
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Obesity
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Occupations that keep you on your feet
How can I relieve heel pain?
There are several techniques you can use at home to reduce the heel pain:
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Rest as much as possible
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Apply ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day.
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Wear shoes with proper support
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Stretch your calves.
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While home remedies can reduce pain, they rarely treat the issues causing the pain. If you have continued heel pain, please call your local podiatrist.
When should I call my doctor?
If you are asking this question, it is likely time to call your doctor or podiatrist. Common signs that the heel pain needs medical treatment are: ​
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Your pain is severe
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The pain starts suddenly
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You have redness in your heel
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You have swelling in your heel
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You can’t walk because of the pain in your heel
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Contacting your doctor can and will prevent further damage and recommend restorative treatment, which almost never includes surgery.
Do I Need Surgery For My Heel Pain?
Typically, most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments for heel pain. Some of these treatments include:​
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Custom orthotic devices, to correct or support foot structure
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Night Casts or Full Casts to stabilize and repair
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PRP Injection Therapy to rebuild and restore ligaments
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Physical Therapy to correct walking, posture, or other motion based issues
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In some rare cases, surgery may been needed to alter or correct issues the above doctor directed treatments cannot improve. However, those surgical options will be recommended by your doctor or podiatrist.
If you identify with any of these symptoms, we recommend you visit a skill podiatrist. If you wish to know more about Heel Pain, or want to schedule an appointment, click here.