Find out what could be causing your heel pain and what your treatment options are.

Whether you are on your feet all day for work or you are an avid morning runner, heel pain can befall anyone. If heel pain has you changing your daily routine, it’s high time you turned to our Wesley Chapel podiatrists, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas, for treatment.

What is causing my heel pain?

Because there are so many causes of heel pain, it’s important you visit your foot doctor in Wesley Chapel as soon as possible if you are injured or if you are experiencing heel pain. By pinpointing the cause of your heel pain, we can also create a tailored and more effective treatment plan.

Common heel pain causes include:

Plantar fasciitis: One of the most frequent causes of heel pain, this condition is the result of inflamed plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue that runs along the underside of your feet). This is often due to overuse, or if the duration or intensity of a workout is suddenly increased.

Achilles tendinitis: If your pain is directed behind the heel, this could be inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This is another condition caused by overuse of the muscles or ligaments and is most often found in runners or those who wear improper footwear for physical activity.

Heel spur: If someone has plantar fasciitis for a while, sometimes a heel spur can also develop. This calcium deposit may develop where the plantar fascia connect to the heel bone.

Stone bruise: If you step on a hard object, you can bruise the fat pad of your heel. This pain will usually go away over time on its own.

Other causes also include fractures, strains and sprains, and different forms of arthritis.

What are my treatment options?

What we recommend for you will depend on what is causing your heel pain. However, there are some standard conservative treatment options that we may recommend across the board to help with your pain and discomfort, including:

• Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Tylenol to reduce pain and swelling.
• Rest your foot as much as possible, elevating it when at rest. Also avoid any physical activities that might exacerbate it.
• Ice your heel for 15-20 minutes at a time a couple times a day to reduce inflammation.
• We can show you some stretching and strengthening exercises that could be particularly good to perform daily for those with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.
• Wear a heel pad or talk to us about using custom orthotics to provide your heel with more support and stability when moving or standing.

If you don’t see the results you want after trying these methods for a week, it’s time that we addressed the issue with more aggressive treatments.

Heel pain shouldn’t slow you down. Let us help you pick up speed. Call Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Wesley Chapel, FL for the treatment you need to enjoy a pain-free life.