Heel Pain

One in 10 adults 50 and older suffers from heel pain. Most cases improve with activity changes, ice, and rest. But if your symptoms continue or get worse, seek treatment. At his practice in The Woodlands and Humble, Texas, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Jason Armstrong, DPM, offers complete care for heel pain, including custom-fitted orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and, if necessary, surgery. Call Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a heel pain appointment, or book your visit online.

Will heel pain improve on its own?

It depends. Mild cases of heel pain usually improve on their own. But more severe problems, like sports injuries and general wear-and-tear, require professional attention. If you have heel pain lasting more than a few days and it keeps you from your routine, contact Dr. Armstrong immediately.

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Inflamed tendons
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Bone spurs
• Achilles tendinitis
• Haglund’s deformity (bony growth at the back of the heel)
• Heel spurs
• Bone bruise

You might have heel pain due to plantar fasciitis –– an overuse injury that damages and inflames the plantar fascia, a band of tough tissue that supports the arch of your foot.

Who is at risk of having heel pain?

Heel pain affects people of all ages, but it’s prevalent in runners and athletes who spend lots of time on their feet. You can also develop heel pain due to:

• Being overweight
• Having foot or ankle arthritis
• Having a structural abnormality like flat feet or high arches
• Spending lots of time standing

Even your shoes contribute to heel pain. For example, if you wear shoes that don’t provide enough support, the soft tissues in your feet must work harder to support the foot’s functions.

How does a foot and ankle specialist diagnose heel pain?

Dr. Armstrong reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. He checks your ankle and heel for swelling, redness, and bruising. He gently presses the bottom and sides of your heel to identify sensitive spots.

If Dr. Armstrong suspects an underlying problem, like a heel spur, a fracture, or bone misalignment, he orders X-rays or an MRI to examine your heel bone and the surrounding tissues closely.

How does a foot and ankle specialist treat heel pain?

Dr. Armstrong takes a conservative, patient-centered approach when treating heel pain. He might suggest:

• Custom-fitted orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Ice
• Athletic tape to support your arch or heel

If your heel pain continues or gets worse after these treatments, Dr. Armstrong will recommend surgery. He offers minimally invasive procedures that use smaller incisions than traditional open operations.

Call the practice of Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a heel pain consultation, or book your appointment online.