Experiencing pain in your heels is a real bummer, especially since it’s the first thing that strikes the ground when you walk. Whether you’re just waking up, exercising, or simply going to work, heel pain can limit your activities and impact your everyday life. Our podiatrists at Tipton & Unroe Foot & Ankle Care see many patients who come in complaining of heel pain and understand how much it can interfere with their daily activities. While there are many causes of heel pain, some of the common ones include the following:  

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick ligament, the plantar fascia, that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition is seen frequently in athletes, especially runners, those whose jobs require long periods of standing, and those who wear ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms include heel pain that is prevalent when first waking up and after long periods of rest.

Achilles tendonitis

The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is involved in every pushing off motion in walking and jumping; therefore, when it is overused or injured, it can lead to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Lack of proper warmups, or changing the intensity of exercise too quickly, and lack of supportive shoes are common causes of this condition.

Heel spurs

Patients with plantar fasciitis often also develop heel spurs, which are bony calcifications that form on the bottom of the heel bone where it attaches to the plantar fascia. Persistent irritation and stress on the area leads to tissues to harden and calcify, which can result in inflammation and pain.

Sever’s disease

Sever’s disease is a condition typically seen in active, growing children and is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children. Repetitive stress on the heel growth plate, from sports or a sudden growth spurt, leads to irritation, swelling, and pain. 

Not sure what’s causing your heel pain?

How you treat heel pain can greatly depend on what is causing it, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced podiatrist. At Tipton & Unroe Foot & Ankle Care, our team of compassionate and expert foot doctorsprovide high-quality foot and ankle care to address your pain and improve your overall foot health. From heel pain and bunions to ongoing diabetic foot care, our podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions so you can get back on your feet! Need an appointment? Contact any of our offices in Louisville, LaGrange, and Bardstown, KY to set up an appointment today!