5 Common Causes of Heel Pain

Discomfort in your feet can make it difficult to function properly and complete necessary tasks. Many different things can cause heel pain, and getting prompt treatment can help you get back on your feet faster. 

At Renew Foot & Ankle, LLC in Grand Rapids and Bigfork, Minnesota, double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Eric Gilbertson, DPM, FACFAS, treats patients suffering from heel pain. Here are the five most common causes of heel pain. 

1. Heel spurs

Small bone-like growths, heel spurs are caused by untreated plantar fasciitis, causing calcium to build up in your heel. They are typically found on the bottom side of the heel. While they do not always cause pain, they usually cause inflammation, swelling, and pain, making it difficult to move. 

2. Achilles tendonitis

If you regularly jump or run with your workouts, your heel pain could be from Achilles tendonitis. Since it is an overuse injury, athletes, people who work out, and weekend warriors are typically at risk of developing this. As it gets stretched out past its natural length, it can lead to small tears, weakening it and limiting foot mobility and heel pain.

3. Bursitis

If the small sacs of cartilage and fluid between your foot joints become inflamed and swell, you develop bursitis. Commonly this occurs when repetitive movement and direct pressure for long periods are placed on the same part of the foot over and over. 

4. Bruising

While it can be easy to conclude that something extreme must be wrong with your feet when there is heel pain, bruising is a common cause. Feet are delicate, and stepping on hard objects can cause swelling and bruising, leading to pain. 

5. Plantar fasciitis

The Plantar Fascia is a thick strip of tissue that goes alongside the bottom of your foot, connecting your toes with your heel. Plantar fasciitis is most commonly found in people who do not wear proper shoes for their feet and runners. If it is overused, inflammation can occur, leading to pain and discomfort. 

Our experienced team can treat heel pain in numerous ways, and it will depend on your particular injury. Dr. Gilbertson first determines the cause of your heel pain to develop an appropriate treatment plan that involves easing your current pain and treating the root cause.

Standard heel treatment pain methods include rest, icing the injury, oral medication, special shoes, and in extreme cases, surgery.

While it may seem like you have to suffer through your pain, that is not the case. Renew Foot & Ankle is here to help you get back to your painless life. Give the office in Grand Rapids or Bigfork, Minnesota, a call or schedule online to book a consultation with Dr. Gilbertson today.