About 2 million people experience heel pain and seek treatment each year. It has many possible causes which range from tissue inflammation, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. If you are seeking treatment, Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists offer treatment for heel pain in Scottsdale.

Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists, located in Scottsdale, AZ, helps troubleshoot the root cause of your heel pain and formulates a treatment plan for instant relief. Call or book online to schedule your appointment and start your treatment plan. Below are some probable reasons for your heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toe) strains or becomes inflamed. It is a result of too much pressure or activity over time. Runners are more prone to plantar fasciitis, but so are those who are overweight and those who dance. You will experience pain in the heel, especially when you rest or have seated for long.

Heel bursitis

Heel bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone, the bursa, swells. You may develop this due to running on a hard surface, wearing shoes with poor support, or striking your heel while walking. Heel bursitis causes swelling of the Achilles tendon is most painful when leaning back on your heels.

Sever’s disease and heel bumps

Sever’s disease is a major cause in growing children between 7-15. It is an inflammation that occurs on the growth plate in the heel. Teenagers may also experience it as a result of a condition called heel bumps. Repetitive stress to the heel during growth may cause sever’s disease. Children and teenagers are most vulnerable when they participate in jumping, running, have flat feet, or wear high heels for long periods of time before the heel bone has fully formed.

Less common causes of heel pain

Several issues can indeed cause symptoms; this calls for a specialist who can diagnose the exact cause of your pain. It may not appear to be common and hence require proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some other possible diagnoses for heel pain:

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic inflammation of the heel pad
  • Side effects of Achilles tendinosis
  • Stress fracture
  • Arthritis
  • Bone bruise or cyst

Heel pain may also occur due to some medical conditions such as diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

When should I seek treatment for heel pain?

Heel pains start gradually and worsen with time. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential as it saves you from severe complications and longer healing time.

The team of specialists at Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists evaluates your symptoms to create a customized plan that may include foot orthotics, icing your foot, night splints, medication, and other interventions to heal your heel pain.

To learn more about heel pain and how to improve your daily activities, book your appointment at Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists to formulate your treatment plan.