Heel pain can strike anyone at some point in their lives. The lucky patients might only need a day of rest, an ice pack, and to elevate the foot for a few hours each night. But for thousands of sufferers, the condition will mean persistent pain that prevents them from walking long distances, participating in recreational activities, and even taking days off of work due to the discomfort in their heels.

Our Grand Strand Heel Pain Specialists Take Control of Your Condition

Coastal Podiatry Associates perform an in-depth analysis of your feet and ankles to determine the source of your heel pain. We listen carefully as you explain all of your symptoms and examine your feet for possible mechanical problems (such as high arches or flat feet) that could be causing your discomfort. We develop a treatment plan based on your needs and lifestyle, finding a way to relieve your immediate pain and determining a long-term solution to correct the condition.

We have helped patients overcome many painful heel injuries, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis. A major cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes beneath the foot. As the tissue stretches, it pulls on the heel, causing extreme pain that is often worse first thing in the morning. This condition affects many people of all ages, but can be worse in patients with flat feet or who walk on the edges of their feet.  We examine your feet and shoes for ways to relieve the pressure on the foot, including designing custom orthotics to stop the plantar fascia from over-stretching.
  • Heel spurs. A bone spur is a buildup of calcium on the end of a bone. Although many bone spurs are painless, a spur on the underside of the heel bone can burrow into the soft tissues of the foot while walking and running, causing severe heel pain. Orthotics can help relieve the pressure on the heel, and cortisone injections can be used to control pain. In some cases, patients may need surgery to remove the spur.
  • Stress fractures. Active patients and people with demanding physical jobs can suffer small fractures in the bones of the feet and heels, known as stress fractures. An increase in physical activity or sudden trauma (such as jumping and landing on a hard surface) can often result in fractures, especially if the patient is suffering from osteoporosis or other weakness in the bones. We can recommend a treatment plan to heal the bone and prevent further injury and advise you on pain management options.
  • Tendonitis. Pain along the back of the heel may be due to Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the long tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tissue is called the Achilles tendon, and is used to walk, run, jump, squat, and rise up on the toes. Repetitive use and intense physical activity can cause the tendons in the feet and legs to swell, causing pain and difficulty walking.

No matter what is causing your heel pain, the specialists at Coastal Podiatry Associates can find the solution. We have decades of combined podiatry experience and are ready to help you find a permanent solution to get rid of your heel pain for good. Call the number on this page or fill out our online contact form to make an appointment at the South Carolina foot care office nearest you!