What Is the Main Cause of Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a fairly common occurrence and can happen at any age. If you live, work, or play in the greater Roseburg, OR, and find that heel pain impacts your daily life, contact Dr. Jason Wilks of Wilks Advanced Footcare to learn how we can help reduce or alleviate your heel pain.

Heel Pain's Main Cause

Heel pain may be due to several factors and disorders; its most common cause is plantar fasciitis. This refers to a condition in which a thick band of tissue (a.k.a., the plantar fascia, which is the physical connection between the toes and the bone in the heel) becomes inflamed, irritated, painful, and stiff.

Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors

Plantar fasciitis, which is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive process that includes imaging studies, tends to occur more often in those who have these risk factors –

• Overweight
• Flat feet/High arches
• Tight calf muscles
• Overuse from repetitive motion activities
• Wearing poor supporting or ill-fitting footwear

Other Potential Heel Pain Causes

These conditions may also cause heel pain –

Bursitis

If the bursa – which is a fluid-filled sac that offers cushioning, becomes inflamed, it may cause pain.  

Achilles Tendonitis

An inflamed Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the muscles of the calf, can create heel pain.

Stress Fractures

Small cracks may develop in one of the bones of the foot - often from repetitive motion or overuse.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves the painful compression of a nerve in the foot.  

Sever's Disease

Sever's disease, which is most often seen in young adults, adolescents, and children, involves overuse of the heel bone's growth plate.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The heel joint can become inflamed from this autoimmune condition.

Obesity

Carrying excess weight is likely to add extra pressure to your feet.

Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes without proper support or ill-fitting may contribute to heel pain – especially for those who stand for long hours.

Gait Abnormalities

Irregular walking patterns or misaligned mechanics can place extra pressure on the plantar fascia or other foot structures.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Heel pain varies based on the patient, the cause, and the intensity of the pain. Podiatric treatment options include the following –

• Rest
• Physical Therapy
• Lifestyle Modifications
• Orthotic Devices
• Therapeutic Laser Therapy and more

And, when necessary, more invasive interventions are available.

Contact a Leading Roseburg, OR Podiatrist for Heel Pain Relief

If you are experiencing ongoing or intense heel pain, seeking medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential. Contact Dr. Wilks or a member of the Wilks Advanced Footcare staff at (541) 673-0742 or online. We look forward to helping to reduce or alleviate your heel pain and walk pain-free.