3 Common Causes of Chronic Heel Pain (and How We Can Help)

Let’s talk about heel pain. Specifically, chronic heel pain that just won’t go away. This type of pain has many causes, and most originate in your foot or ankle.

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, with locations in Austin and Bee Cave, Texas, Dr. Pedro Cosculluela and our team are well-versed in diagnosing and treating heel pain.

Here are three common causes of heel pain and how we can help.

Plantar fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that crosses the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone and toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed and irritated, which tends to happen to people who stand, run, or jump a lot, it causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. 

We usually start treatment with icing, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Additional effective treatments include physical therapy, night splints to stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep, custom orthotics, a walking boot or cane, and steroid injections.

Achilles tendonitis

Another common cause of heel pain, Achilles tendonitis occurs at the back of the heel due to inflammation of your Achilles tendon. That’s the longest tendon in the body, running from your heel to the top of your calf muscle. 

Repetitive stress can cause micro-tears in the tendon, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and even difficulty walking and running.

Treatment starts with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and includes options similar to those available for plantar fasciitis, including physical therapy, splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics. 

Stress fractures

Stress fractures occur when overuse leads to tiny cracks or breaks in your bones. They often affect the weight-bearing bones in your feet and ankles, leading to pain in your heel. 

A stress fracture usually starts as a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest. In addition to pain, symptoms include tenderness, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Again, we start with RICE to relieve swelling and recommend you take a break from activity until the fracture heals. Additional treatments include custom orthotics, protective footwear, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and devices to help you walk, such as crutches or a cane.

If you’re dealing with one of these issues or any other foot or ankle injury, let us check out your symptoms and build a treatment plan. Call the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment. We also offer a walk-in clinic.