Heel pain is the most common foot problem. Heel pain can affect all types of patients including children, athletes, and everyone in between. Heel pain can be very painful and is most evident when you first wake up and take those first steps in the morning.
Those suffering from heel pain can experience stabbing and burning pains in their heel and ankle. The pain will turn into a dull ache as the day continues.
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, but it can be caused by many other factors including:
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Weight gain
- Increased activity
- Heel spurs
- Stress Fractures
- Constantly wearing heels
Plantar fasciitis is when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and irritation. Your plantar fascia supports the arches as you walk and absorb any shock. Repeated tearing and stretching can cause the tissue to become irritated.
Diagnosing Heel Pain
Our doctors will diagnose heel pain based on a visual and feeling test. Our doctors will review your history, take into account the symptoms and make a diagnosis. In some cases, our doctors will use imaging to help in the diagnosis. X-rays and ultrasounds can help to solidify the doctor’s conclusions.
Heel Pain Treatment
Heel pain can be treated conservatively in many cases. PRP, amnio, laser regeneration, and orthotics are all used to treat heel pain. These conservative methods allow patients to begin feeling relief from the pain without having the need for recovery or healing. These effective and safe treatments can relieve heel pain and prevent it from returning.
PRP is a treatment that uses a rich dose of your body's own plasma injected into the injured or painful area. This treatment increases blood flow which triggers your body to send blood and oxygen to the area of concern. This creates an optimal healing environment.
Perinatal tissue and growth factor injections contain proteins, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory agents which are injected into the injured or painful area. This treatment can end the stabbing and throbbing pain caused by heel pain and increase the recovery time.
In more severe cases, or if the patient prefers, our doctors can treat heel pain surgically in many cases. Heel surgery is a permanent solution to heel pain. The surgery will differ with each patient, depending on the severity and cause of the pain.