The human foot has 33 joints, 100+ tendons, ligaments, muscles, and 26 bones. The heel bone is the largest and is subject to stress, injury, and outside influences over time. If you live in and around Alexandria, and Sterling, VA, Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin of Alexandria Family Podiatry offer various treatment options when heel pain has become painful and even disruptive to your daily routine.

What Are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

Heel pain has numerous causes, although it is often from either excessive stress placed on the heel bone or the soft tissue surrounding it. The pressure may happen from overuse, injury, strains, poor choices in footwear, or carrying an unhealthy weight. The most common heel pain causes are -

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is among the most common cause of heel pain complaints. The plantar fascia, which refers to a thick, soft tissue running the sole of the foot, becomes painful when inflamed or irritated.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur refers to a bony growth that develops underneath the heel bone, often co-occurring with plantar fasciitis after repeatedly stripping away the heel bone's protective lining.

Excessive Pronation

Pronation refers to the foot's flexible and absorbing motion when walking. When pronation is excessive, it can create undue stress and stretch ligaments and tendons.

Bursitis

The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that offer cushioning for bones, muscles, and tendons. Pain follows when the retrocalcaneal bursa (located near the heel bone) is inflamed.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is when the Achilles tendon, located above the heel, becomes inflamed. Those who overuse or subject the tendon to repetitive strain may find it leads to swelling and heel pain.

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture refers to a tiny bone crack caused by overuse or repetitive stress. For those engaged in high-impact sports/activities, the heel bone may be at risk for a stress fracture. The heel pain, in this instance, will worsen when bearing weight.  

Sever's Disease

Sever's disease is common for children/adolescents as it happens when the heel bone's growth plate becomes inflamed from overuse/repetitive stress.

Heel Pain Treatments

After diagnosing your heel pain and condition and depending on how early you have caught the issue, a podiatrist can offer -

• Anti-inflammatory medicines – oral or injectables.
• Therapeutic exercise.
• Shoe/functional orthotic recommendations.
• Taping to support the foot.

Note that only a few of the advanced cases of heel pain may require some sort of surgical intervention.

Suffering From Heel Pain?

Don't let heel pain disrupt your Alexandria,  or Sterling, VA, daily routine. Contact Dr. Lee and Dr. Lin, or a member of our Alexandra Family Podiatry staff at (703) 823-2357 or online.