At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, we treat many patients for heel pain. Pain in your heel can have several causes, including a stress fracture, arthritis, tendonitis, nerve irritation, or Sever’s disease (in youth ages 8-15).

The most common cause of heel pain, however, is plantar fasciitis. In addition to heel pain, symptoms of plantar fasciitis may also include:

  • Tenderness or swelling
  • Arch pain
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
  • Limited range of motion
  • Pain that is worse after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping

What’s Behind the Pain?

Running along the bottom of your foot from your heel bone to your toes, there is a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. Your plantar fascia gets a lot of wear and tear, and over time, it can become overstrained and irritated. Some factors that increase your risk for this disorder include:

  • Overuse from excessive physical exercise or training (such as training for a marathon)
  • Flat feet or high arches
  • Being overweight
  • Heel spurs
  • A job that requires you to stand or walk for long periods

Treatment Options

Our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral and Dr. Nrupa Shah, will want to perform a comprehensive examination of your feet to rule out another possible course of heel pain. The foot doctor may also order x-rays or ultrasound imaging, which can be done in our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802), or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office. Once the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is confirmed, the podiatrist will choose the best treatment plan for you. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain, stretching the plantar fascia, and treating the root cause of the condition. Modes of treatment include:

  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Icing
  • Custom orthotic inserts
  • Physical therapy
  • Night splints
  • Surgery

If you are suffering from heel pain, don’t put off seeking treatment. Contact us today and put yourself on the road to relief.

Author Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care

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