What Is Causing My Heel Pain?

What Is Causing My Heel Pain?

Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center treat patients in Land O' Lakes, FL, with heel pain. Our heels take a lot of impact and heel pain is common. Read about some of the common causes of heel pain and come see us if you're concerned about the health of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of muscle that runs the sole of the foot, is called plantar fasciitis and can be very painful. Symptoms are pain at the back of the foot, and it may be most intense when you first get up and start moving or after a bout of strenuous activity.

Plantar fasciitis is common especially in runners and people on their feet all day, but most cases are mild and can be helped with icing, anti-inflammatory drugs, and stretching exercises. You should still see your Land O' Lakes, FL, foot doctor if you are in pain. Your doctor may recommend orthotics to wear in your shoes to help relieve pain.

Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon connects the back of the foot to the calf. It often becomes inflamed due to overuse or a sudden increase in strenuous activity. Symptoms are pain behind the heel and directly above the heel. You may also notice swelling or a limited range of motion.

If you have Achilles tendonitis your doctor will recommend a mix of rest from strenuous activities and focus on appropriate exercises in physical therapy. Icing and elevating the foot can help reduce swelling along with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Heel Surgery

In cases of severe and chronic heel pain, your foot doctor may recommend heel surgery. An osteotomy is a procedure that involves cutting the metatarsal bone and aligning it with the other bones in the foot to relieve pressure and pain. This also prevents a heel callus from forming.

The cause of your heel pain could be unique and the combination of several factors. If you are in pain and you've never been diagnosed, it's important to see a doctor and target the cause of your pain. At Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas are here to help with your heel pain. Contact us for an appointment in Land O' Lakes, FL, at (813) 909-0865.