Heel Pain

Up to 15% of people who seek medical care for a foot problem have heel pain. At Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst, the private podiatry practice of board-certified and fellowship-trained podiatrist and foot surgeon Robert Hurst, DPM, patients get the most effective treatments for common causes of heel pain like plantar fasciitis, also called heel spur syndrome. Call either of the offices in Savannah, Tennessee, or Corinth, Mississippi, or book your appointment online now.

When do I need help with heel pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common issues that Dr. Hurst treats — but many people don’t know when to reach out for help. You need to take heel pain seriously and call the office if:

• Your pain doesn’t stop with rest and other at-home care
• You have difficulty walking
• You can’t keep up your regular activities
• You have significant heel swelling
• You have heel stiffness that makes normal movement difficult

Heel pain responds well to professional care, so don’t delay your recovery any longer than necessary if you’re experiencing these types of issues.

What causes heel pain?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis develops when a length of connective tissue — the plantar fascia — grows badly inflamed. 

The plantar fascia starts at the back of your foot, inserting into your heel bone. It stretches across the foot arch to the base of your toes. When you stand, walk, and jump, the plantar fascia stretches, and when you’re off your feet, it retracts. Normally, the plantar fascia withstands the pressure of regular movements very well. 

However, foot problems like overpronation can lead to plantar fasciitis. In overpronation, the foot rolls forward too much when you walk. This flattens your foot, elongates your arch, and puts too much pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to tiny tears, inflammation, and pain. 

Plantar fasciitis usually affects just one heel, but about 33% of people with the condition experience it in both heels. 

Many people with plantar fasciitis also develop heel spurs — tiny bony hooks that develop on the bottom of the heel bone. In fact, plantar fasciitis is sometimes called heel spur syndrome.

Some other causes of heel pain include arthritis, bursitis, bone bruises, and Achilles tendonitis.

What is the quickest way to relieve heel pain? 

Dr. Hurst frequently treats heel pain using effective conservative measures, such as: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication (as directed by your doctor)
• Ice packs 
• Stretching exercises
• A night brace
• Orthotic devices

Most people with plantar fasciitis need at least six weeks of focused treatment to prompt recovery and prevent the problem from recurring. About 95% of people with plantar fasciitis recover using conservative treatments, so it’s quite rare to need surgery.  

Do you have a sharp pain in your heel? Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst can help, so call the nearest office or book your appointment online today.