Common Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common condition. It is estimated that one in ten adults in the US will suffer from heel pain at least once in their lifetime. When you have heel pain in Kingsport, TN you can count on Dr. Ann Wolford and Dr. Michael Willis, both board-certified podiatrists at Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists to provide the care that you require.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the ligament, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It also supports the arch in the foot. When it gets irritated, it causes pain in the heel. One of the first forms of treatment you can use is to roll a frozen water bottle under your foot. This provides two forms of relief; icing and an easy stretch. 

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone or serious bruising inside the bone. It can cause heel pain and difficulty walking. It is a common form of injury for runners and athletes who do repetitive activities. Too much exercise can keep the bones from having enough time to recover between sessions. Resting is essential to recovery. 

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are a calcium deposit that forms on the bottom of the heel. For many people, they are painless, but they can and do cause pain for others. They do not, however, cause plantar fasciitis. OTC pain medication, icing and rest are the best treatments.

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa and the heel has bursae located near the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. Bursa are small fluid sacs that keep bones from rubbing together. The irritation can be caused by exercise in shoes that are too tight or by wearing high-heeled shoes.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, and they are rough spots that can grow anywhere, but they do grow on the heel, and they can cause Heel Pain in Kingsport, TN. Home treatments to remove warts are available and if they don't work, talk to your podiatrist. 

Heel Fat Pad Syndrome

When the fat pad on the bottom of the heel thins, it can be painful to walk, stand, and perform normal daily activities. The pain is usually located in the center of the heel. Orthotics can help add the cushion. 

Achilles Tendonitis 

Pain in the back of the heel in the morning is often Achilles tendonitis. 

Contact Dr. Wolford and Dr. Willis of Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists when you need help with heel pain in Kingsport, TN. Give our office a call at (423) 722-5200 to make an appointment.