Heel Pain Specialist in Columbia, SC

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a common condition where the patient feels pain in the back of the foot near the heel bone and can be caused by various factors ranging from underlying medical conditions to foot fatigue and overuse injury. Heel pain occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated, causing a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel and foot.

Heel Pain Symptoms

Some of the signs of heel pain are:

• Pain in the underside of the foot radiating from the arch to the heel
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Swelling or tenderness
• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially after a long period of inactivity
• Soreness at rest
• Pain that increases with weight-bearing activities that include walking, running, and jumping

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain can be caused by lifestyle issues or more serious underlying causes, including: 

• Achilles tendonitis
• Fracture or injury
• Heel spurs
• Wearing high heels
• Plantar fasciitis
• Overuse injury
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Infection

Heel Pain Treatment

Heel pain can be treated with rest, elevation, over-the-counter pain medication, and wearing well-fitting shoes with arch support that distributes weight evenly across the foot. Some people with underlying severe conditions may require more advanced treatment to relieve their heel pain. Other heel pain treatments include:

• Orthotic shoes or inserts to help improve the biomechanical contributions to heel pain and provide arch and heel support.
• Night splints to hold the foot in a flexed position overnight to help stretch the plantar fascia and alleviate pain. 
• Physical therapy may help with some underlying causes of heel pain, including fracture, injury, or plantar fasciitis. 
• Heel fractures are treated with rest and immobilization.
• Surgical procedures may be required if your heel pain is caused by bone spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Heel Pain Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing heel pain that isn’t responding to lifestyle changes or is preventing you from engaging in activities you enjoy, it may be time to see an orthopaedic specialist. Effective treatment of heel pain requires an accurate diagnosis. Your orthopaedic specialist will examine your heel to assess your range of motion and test your balance. They’ll also take your medical history, including if you’ve had any recent accidents or injuries that may have caused the onset of your heel pain. Your provider may order imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to rule out fractures, bone spurs, or ligament damage. Once the cause of your heel pain is identified, you can explore your treatment options more thoroughly and get back on your feet.