Your foot is a very complex structure made up of many bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. So, there are many possible causes of heel pain. However, most people have heel pain in either the underside, or the back of the heel. These suggest different conditions.

Plantar Fasciitis

Underside pain usually points to plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of a band of tissue called the fascia. This connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. Pain in the back of the heel usually suggests Achilles tendinitis or an inflammation of the tendon that runs up the back of your heel.

Please be aware that although these are two of the most common causes of heel pain, there are many other possibilities including a pinched nerve, stress fractures, or even a bone tumor. You will need to visit the office of your Brooklyn podiatrist Dr. Joseph Stuto for a Brooklyn, NY heel pain diagnosis.

What causes these conditions?

People born with flat or excessively high arches tend to be prone to problems such as plantar fasciitis. Other causes of heel pain include over-exercising, or a sudden increase in the intensity of exercise. Poorly fitting footwear may also put strain on your foot, causing injury and inflammation. People who work on their feet all day are also more prone to heel pain because they are putting much more weight on their feet.

How can heel pain be treated?

To treat your heel pain, your Brooklyn podiatrist will give your foot an examination to check for the exact points of pain. They will ask about your lifestyle and medical history. They may check on how well your feet can bend or move. They may also take x-rays or other imaging to check on the nerves and bones in your foot.

After a thorough evaluation, your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your pain, and give you the proper treatment. However, in many cases, over-the-counter medications combined with rest, physical therapy, supportive footwear, and orthotic devices will be enough to treat your heel pain. For more serious conditions, surgery may be required.

Had enough of being sidelined? Call your foot doctor Dr. Stuto in Brooklyn, and get rid of heel pain today. Call (718) 624-7537 to put a spring back in your step!