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Heel Pain Treatment

Find relief from heel pain with our comprehensive treatment options. From heel spurs to plantar fasciitis, we provide expert care for all heel conditions.

Understanding Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat at American Surgeons Group. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that affects your ability to walk, stand, or exercise. The heel is a complex structure that bears significant weight and pressure throughout the day.

Most heel pain originates from the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes) or from heel spurs. These conditions often develop gradually and can become chronic if left untreated.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This is the most common cause of heel pain.

  • • Pain worse in the morning
  • • Pain after prolonged standing
  • • Stabbing sensation in the heel

Heel Spurs

Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. Often associated with plantar fasciitis, though not all heel spurs cause pain.

  • • Chronic inflammation
  • • Abnormal walking patterns
  • • Repetitive stress on the heel

Achilles Tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. Common in athletes and those with sudden increases in activity.

  • • Pain at the back of the heel
  • • Swelling and stiffness
  • • Pain worse with activity

Other Causes

Heel bursitis, stress fractures, and nerve entrapment can also cause heel pain. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

  • • Overuse injuries
  • • Improper footwear
  • • Biomechanical issues

Our Treatment Approach

1

Conservative Care

Rest, ice, stretching exercises, orthotics, and physical therapy to address the root cause of your heel pain without surgery.

2

Advanced Therapies

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and other cutting-edge treatments for stubborn cases.

3

Surgical Options

Minimally invasive procedures for severe cases, including plantar fascia release and heel spur removal when conservative treatments fail.

Preventing Heel Pain

Lifestyle Changes

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your heels
  • Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse injuries
  • Replace worn-out athletic shoes regularly

Footwear & Support

  • Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning
  • Consider custom orthotics for biomechanical issues
  • Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces

Considering surgery for heel pain?

What plantar fascia release recovery honestly looks like, including the arch trade-off at the center of the operation.

Plantar Fascia Release Recovery →

Sudden pop above the heel?

Achilles rupture is often mistaken for a calf strain, and every week of delay narrows the treatment options.

Achilles Rupture Recovery →

Gradual heel pain, worst first thing?

Track minutes of morning first-step pain rather than a pain score, and the timeline starts making sense.

Plantar Fasciitis Healing Timeline →

Bump on the back of your heel?

The bone is not the problem. The bursa caught between it and your shoe is, and that is fixable.

Haglund's Deformity, the Pump Bump →

Achilles sore for months, no pop?

Rest feels right and makes it worse. Why a degenerating tendon needs load, not time off.

Achilles Tendonitis Recovery →

Ready to Get Relief from Heel Pain?

Don't let heel pain control your life. Our experienced podiatrists can help you find the relief you need and get back to your normal activities.