Our Board-Certified Podiatrists Can Diagnose and Treat Your Painful Heel Conditions
Heel pain is a common foot problem that can make it difficult to walk, run, or stand without discomfort. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our board-certified podiatrists offer safe and effective treatments for heel pain. Located in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, our practice uses advanced diagnostics to determine the most effective solution for each patient. To speak with a doctor about your heel pain, call one of the offices and book your appointment today.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain can be caused by a number of underlying problems with your feet or ankles, including:
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Contracture
- Tendon Dysfunction
- Flat Foot
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Bone Spurs
- Bone Cyst
- Heel spurs
- Stress fractures
- Injuries
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Haglund's deformity
Heel pain typically increases when you try to bear weight on the affected foot and can worsen over time, leading to pain that radiates up the leg or into the arch of the foot. Certain conditions, like stress fractures or Achilles tendinitis, can worsen without proper treatment.
The Most Common Heel Conidition is Plantar Fasciitis
Although heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, most cases are linked to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Inflammation to your plantar fascia can cause sharp, stabbing heel pain that’s often triggered by long periods of sitting, standing, or walking. Some patients have reported experiencing a burning sensation or tingling along the heel and arch of the foot.
If you experience heel pain, our foot and ankle specialists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney can determine the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan that will help find relief from your heel pain.
Common Heel Conditions That Our Podiatrists At Foot & Ankle Centers Treat
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
Before beginning treatment, your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Understanding the underlying cause of your heel pain is key to a successful treatment plan that will give you relief from your heel pain. In addition, your podiatrist will perform a thorough physical exam to check for signs of inflammation, such as redness, tenderness, and swelling, of your heel.
Your podiatrist may also conduct a neurological exam to assess your reflexes and sensation in the heel. This can help rule out any nerve or nerve-related conditions that may be causing your heel pain. In some cases, further tests are required and your doctor will conduct imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to check for the presence of heel spurs, stress fractures, and other abnormalities.
After you are given a diagnosis, your doctor will create an individualized treatment plan for your heel pain. Your plan will address any underlying issues and help you find ways to relieve your heel pain.
What Treatments Are Available For Heel Pain?
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of your heel pain. If you’re experiencing mild or early signs of heel pain, your doctor may recommend stretching exercises or anti-inflammatory medication.
If your condition doesn’t improve, your doctor may suggest additional conservative treatments, such as:
- Night splints
- Cortisone injections
- Orthopedic taping
- Orthotics, such as a walking boot or custom shoe insert
- Shock Wave Therapy
- Regenerative Medical Injection
In very severe cases, you may need surgery to effectively relieve your heel pain. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our podiatrists will work with you to find the right solution to your heel pain. To find out more about your treatment options, book your appointment today.