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 Heel Pain
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.
Causes
- Repetitive stress: Excessive activities like standing, walking, running, or jumping
- Inadequate footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support, inadequate cushioning, or worn-out shole
- Flat feet or high arches: Places extra strain on plantar fascia
- Age: More common in middle-aged adults ( between 40 and 60 years)
- Obesity: Sudden increase in weight puts additional pressure on plantar fascia
- Sudden increase in activity: Contribute to overstrain in the plantar fascia
There are several more causes on why plantar fasciitis may affect you. Be cautious of the following symptoms to catch it before symptoms worsen.
Symptoms
- Pain in the bottom of your foot or along the sole
- Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot
- Stiffness or tightness with your Achilles tendon
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.
Causes
- Planta fasciitis: The most common cause, heel spurs form as a response to stress
- Repetitive stress: Activities like running, jumping, or standing for long periods
- Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that are poorly fitted or lack arch support
- Foot abnormities: Flat feet, high arches, or gait (abnormal walking)
- Arthritis: Certain types can cause damage to cartilage and bones, increasing the risk of heel spurs
There are several more causes on why a hell spur may develop. Be cautious of the following symptoms to catch it before developing further.
Symptoms
- Sharp pain when standing in the morning
- Tenderness or dull ache
- A small bony bump under the hee;
- Swelling and inflammation at the front of the heel
- Numbness, burning, or tingling
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.
Causes
- Repetitive impact: Activities like running or jumping on hard surfaces cause small trauma to bones. As well as poor training techniques
- Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that are worn out or lack support puts uneven stress on the foot
- Sudden increase in activity: Rapid increase in exercise does not give the bones enough time to adapt
- Weak or fatigued muscles: Muscles can weaken and fail to absorb impact effectively, transferring excess force to the bones
There are several more causes on why you may develop a stress fracture. Be cautious of the following symptoms to catch it before developing further.
Symptoms
- Difficulty walking
- Pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising
- Foot deformity
Achilles 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!
Causes
- Repetitive movement/ impact: Running or walking long distances can strain foot tendons, as well as playing sports like running, basketball, or dancing
- Improper footwear: Shoes that do not provide sufficient support, or cushioning can lead to tendon strain
- Poor foot mechanics: High arches, flat feet, or an abnormal step can increase stress on the tendons
- Increased activity: A sudden increase in physical activity, especially without proper conditioning can lead to tendonitis
- Injury or Trauma: A direct fall or accident to the foot can cause tendon inflammation
- Age: Tendond lose elasticity and strength with age, making them more susceptible to inflammation
There are several more causes why you may develop tendonitis. Be cautious of the following symptoms to catch it before developing further.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Pain near the affected tendon
- Pain that increases with activities and improves with rest
