Decoding 7 Causes Behind Your Heel Pain

Heel pain is a frustratingly common problem, and it can manifest in many ways. The type of pain you're experiencing, when it occurs, and where exactly it's located can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause. In the following blog, Advanced Feet and Ankle Care will help you decode your heel pain and understand what might be happening beneath the surface.

If Your Heel Pain is...

1. ...Sharp and stabbing, especially in the morning or after rest:

  • You might be dealing with: Plantar Fasciitis. This is the most common cause of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. The pain is often worse with the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting.

2. ...A dull ache at the back of your heel, worsening with activity:

  • You might be dealing with: Achilles Tendonitis. This involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. It's common in runners and other athletes.

3. ...A Deep, throbbing pain, possibly with swelling and bruising:

  • You might be dealing with: A Heel Fracture (calcaneal fracture). This is usually caused by a high-impact injury, like a fall.

4. ...Painful when you squeeze the heel.

  • You may be dealing with: A Heel Spur. Heel spurs are typically caused by or associated with chronic plantar fasciitis.

5. ...Painful, with a noticeable bump on the back of your heel:

  • You might be dealing with: Haglund's Deformity (also known as "pump bump"). This is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, often aggravated by rigid shoes.

6. ...Painful in a child or adolescent, especially after sports:

7. ...Pain that comes and goes, perhaps worse after long periods standing on hard surfaces:

  • You might be dealing with: Fat Pad Atrophy. This can cause the natural padding of your feet to be lost, which can cause pain.

The above are just possible causes. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a podiatrist. Don't try to self-diagnose!

What To Do Next

The issues above aren’t identical, so treating them isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. That said, the options below are both non-invasive and powerfully effective in some cases.

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.

  • ESWT Therapy: This option is both non-invasive and quite flexible, using high energy sound waves to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and help tissue regenerate. It’s ideal for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and heel spurs.

  • Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Please Note: Be sure to follow the advice of a medical professional before taking any new medications!

If your pain is severe, persistent, or worsening, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Don't let the aches sideline you take your first step toward relief today!

Dr. Jason Grossman, Dr. Yaakov Tropper, and Dr. Paul A. Osemene will happily help you at our comfortable, convenient offices in Old Bridge, Sayreville, and Freehold. Call (732) 679-4330 to schedule your appointment, or contact us online today!

Heel PainAdvanced Feet and Ankle CareAdvanced Feet and Ankle Care, Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Fracture, Heel Spur, Sever's Disease, Fat Pad Atrophy, ESWT Therapy, RICE