Find out what’s causing your heel pain and what to do about it.

Heel pain can be quite a nuisance. It can make it painful just to get out of bed, so chances are good that you’ve been having to put your favorite workouts and activities on hold. So, what might be going on? If this is your first time dealing with heel pain, you may want to turn to our Ridgeland, MS, podiatrist Dr. Rose Sotolongo first to find out what’s going on.

What are the common causes of heel pain?

If your pain starts at the bottom of the heel (aka under your heel bone) and radiates to the arches of your foot then your heel pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes inflammation of a thick band of muscle of the foot known as the plantar fascia. Heel pain that originates above the heel bone is often caused by Achilles tendonitis or inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Other lesser causes of heel pain include,

• Heel spurs
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Bursitis
• Stress fracture
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Why does heel pain happen?

Sometimes overuse or repeated stress on the foot, which is common in athletes and runners, can cause heel pain. If you are standing or on your feet most of the day this can also increase your risk for heel pain. If you are pregnant or obese, more pressure may be placed on the feet, which can also lead to heel pain.

Do I need a see a doctor?

It’s a good idea to turn to our Ridgeland, MS, podiatrist Dr. Sotolongo to have your heel pain looked at if,

• You develop any type of sharp foot pain, particularly new or worsening pain
• You develop numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot
• Your heel pain gets worse
• Your heel pain isn’t improved with rest or home care

How is heel pain treated?

A lot will depend on the cause of your heel pain, but conservative care is always the best course of action. This often includes,

• Resting
• Elevating your foot
• Foot and ankle stretches and therapeutic exercises
• Supportive footwear
• Avoiding certain physical activities
• Wearing a night splint

If plantar fasciitis doesn’t go away on its own, our Ridgeland, MS, team may recommend custom orthotics, steroid injections, shockwave therapy or ultrasound therapy to trigger the body’s natural healing response to treat your heel pain.

Dr. Sotolongo and her podiatry team are proud to serve the Ridgeland, Jackson and Madison, MS, communities. If you are dealing with heel pain, our team is here to help you get back on your feet. Call us at (601) 206-9101 to schedule an evaluation.