When to Consult Your Doctor About Heel Pain

Daily life puts plenty of strain on our bodies, and a lot of it impacts the feet. A 2023 study by the European Heart Journal found that we spend nearly six hours standing and performing light to moderate physical activity on an average day. That is a lot of time on your feet, which can lead to the development of foot pain.

The heels of your feet are vital in how you move, helping to establish balance and stability. Pain in this area is common, but at what point is it bad enough to consider getting medical attention to treat it?

If you're struggling with heel pain or other foot problems and live in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco or San Jose, California, Dr. Andrew Harrison and our team can help you find relief.

What causes heel pain?

The pain in the back of your foot could be due to an issue with the heel bone, Achilles tendon inflammation, or a joint problem.  

Possible conditions include:

• Achilles tendonitis: overusing this tendon causes inflammation and pain

• Plantar fasciitis: the fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed

• Sever’s disease: common in children, physical activity irritates the growth plates in the heel

• Haglund’s deformity: bony bumps from chronic heel irritation

• Bursitis: when the fluid-filled sacs in the joint swell due to extended time on your feet

• Fractures: damage to the heel bone creates pain throughout the back of the foot

• Contusions: bruising of the padding on the bottom of your feet causes tenderness and discoloration

• Heel spur: bone growths on the heel bone

The risk of heel pain also increases if you’re overweight, have flat feet or high arches, or experience foot or ankle arthritis. People who workout a lot are at greater risk, as are those who stand for long periods or wear shoes that don’t fit correctly.  

When should you get medical help?

Mild heel pain can resolve on its own with basic care and rest. However, if the pain is there even when you’re not on your feet, lasts more than a few weeks, and home care methods aren’t effective, it’s time to get medical help. 

Severe issues like numbness, tingling, swelling, problems moving the foot, and intense pain should get emergency care as soon as possible.

How can we help?

We have options to treat heel pain, depending on the cause and severity. These include: 

• Custom orthotics 
• Changing your shoes
• Anti-inflammatory medications 
• Steroid treatments 
• Physical therapy
• Modifying your activities 

We can also use minimally invasive treatments like endoscopic plantar release to repair damage and remove bone spurs and HyProCure® for realignment and stabilization in the heel.

Heel pain is uncomfortable and can limit your daily routine, but we can help. Make an appointment with Dr. Harrison and our team today for heel pain relief.