If your first steps out of bed in the morning cause searing pain in your heels, you're not alone. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, heel pain is the most common foot complaint, affecting over two million Americans annually. At first, a few aches and pains might not seem like a big deal, but untreated heel pain can worsen over time. Eventually, it can limit your mobility and keep you from doing the things you love.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our Phoenix area podiatrists understand how frustrating persistent heel pain can be. Our board-certified podiatrists are dedicated to helping patients determine the root cause of their heel pain and find lasting relief. As heel pain treatment experts, we offer the latest diagnostic tools and a wide range of conservative and advanced treatment options to help you wake up to pain-free mornings again.
Understanding Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone from children to seniors and athletes to couch potatoes. Some of the most frequent causes of heel pain we see at our Phoenix area podiatry practice include:
- Plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, often most severe first thing in the morning.
- Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone. Repetitive stress or overuse can cause this tendon to become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness in the back of the heel.
- Heel spurs. Heel spurs are bony protrusions that can develop on the underside of the heel bone. They often occur alongside plantar fasciitis and can cause chronic heel pain if left untreated.
- Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the heel bone that can develop over time due to repetitive impact. This type of injury is most common in athletes who run or jump frequently.
Other factors, such as obesity, unsupportive footwear, and occupations requiring extended periods of standing, can also contribute to the development of painful heel conditions.
Providing Comprehensive Heel Pain Diagnosis in the Phoenix Area
The first step in effectively treating heel pain is accurately pinpointing the underlying cause. At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to gain a clear picture of what's happening inside your feet.
During your initial consultation, your foot doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, visually examine your feet and ankles, and check for any tender areas or obvious deformities. Your doctor may order X-rays or other imaging scans to check for fractures, heel spurs, and bone or soft tissue problems.
We may also perform a computerized gait analysis to assess your walking patterns and identify any biomechanical issues contributing to your heel pain. This allows us to determine whether custom orthotics or other corrective devices could be part of your treatment plan.
Offering a Wide Range of Heel Pain Treatment Options
Once we have determined the source of your heel pain, your podiatrist will develop a personalized treatment plan. Fortunately, many patients can find relief through conservative therapies such as:
- Rest and activity modification. Taking a break from high-impact activities and avoiding movements that exacerbate your pain can give injured tissues a chance to heal.
- Icing and anti-inflammatory medication. Applying ice and taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as directed can help reduce heel pain and inflammation.
- Stretching and physical therapy. Rehabilitative stretches and exercises help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the heel.
- Orthotic devices. Over-the-counter or custom orthotic shoe inserts can provide extra cushioning and support to reduce stress on the heel.
For stubborn heel pain that doesn't respond to conservative care, we also offer advanced treatment options including:
- Radial pulse wave therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged heel tissues.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy. PRP injections leverage your body's own healing capabilities to support recovery in injured tendons, ligaments, and bone.
- Laser therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses focused light energy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate healing in the affected area.
In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove heel spurs, release the plantar fascia, or repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. If you do require surgery, we use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce scarring and speed recovery.