Heel Pain Specialist

What is heel pain?

Heel pain includes any discomfort that affects the bottom or back of your heel. It’s a common pain complaint, affecting more than 2 million people every year in the United States. 

The pain you feel may vary depending on the cause. For example, you may only feel pain after spending long periods off your feet, or your pain may be constant.

If you have recurring heel pain or heel pain that affects your daily life, Dr. Buckley can help.

What causes heel pain?

Here are many conditions that cause heel pain. The location of your discomfort may help determine what’s causing your pain. 

Pain behind the heel

Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon) and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) are common causes of pain behind the heel. 

Active children may develop pain behind the heel from a condition known as Sever’s disease, which is irritation of the growth plate in the heel.

Pain beneath the heel

If you have pain beneath your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and occurs from inflammation of the plantar fasciitis. 

A bone bruise or bone spurs may also cause pain beneath the heel.

What happens during a heel pain evaluation?

Dr. Buckley takes a holistic approach to care, and you can expect a thorough examination when you come in with concerns about heel pain. Dr. Buckley asks detailed questions about your pain, including the location of your pain, the symptoms you feel, and activities that make the pain worse.

She also asks about your daily routine and the shoes you wear. Dr. Buckley reviews your medical history and examines your feet and heels. She may take imaging scans of your feet to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

How is heel pain treated?

Most causes of heel pain improve over time with conservative care. Dr. Buckley customizes your treatment plan based on the reason for your heel pain and the severity of your symptoms.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Activity modification
• Change in footwear
• Custom orthotics
• Home exercise and stretching program
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Though heel pain may develop for many reasons, recovery takes time. 

To get help for your heel pain, call Roka Foot and Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online today.