There are a variety of reasons that may cause pain in your heel. Whether it’s a stress fracture, injury, or poor circulation, determining the exact cause of heel pain can be quite challenging.
Here are the 3 common causes of heel pain:
- Plantar fasciitis—perhaps the most common cause of heel pain. This occurs when the plantar fascia (long band of connective tissue that runs along the heel to the toes) becomes overly-stretched, causing partial or complete tears. The damaged tissue can cause stabbing pain which disturbs your movement if it is not treated promptly.
- Achilles tendonitis—this occurs when the Achilles tendon is exposed to repetitive or intense strain. This weakens the tendon, making it more vulnerable to injury. This can cause severe pain and stiffness.
- Wrong footwear—ill-fitted shoes can lead to many foot and ankle problems including heel pain. They can create crowding of your toes and increase your risk of injury. Wear good shoes that provide the best fit, support, and comfort to your feet.
Tracking down the source of heel pain, especially in the early stages, can often resolve the pain and get you moving. However, if you are unsure of the cause of your pain, you should seek advice from your podiatrist.
If you have heel pain that persists more than two weeks or have trouble diagnosing the exact cause of your pain, call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, NY. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Joseph Stuto diagnoses and treats a range of foot and ankle conditions such as toe deformities, diabetic foot, fungal infections, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Joseph Stuto provides the highest-quality podiatric medical care while staying abreast of all the newest trends in podiatry. For more information, you can browse through our extensive patient library online. Contact our offices conveniently located in Brooklyn: (718) 567-1403 (Brooklyn), or (718) 624-7537 (Brooklyn Heights).