Why Does My Heel Hurt?
Causes and Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing heel pain, you’re not alone. Heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat at Rochester Clinic and can make walking, exercise, work, and everyday activities difficult. While plantar fasciitis is a common cause, heel pain can also result from problems involving tendons, bursae, nerves, and other soft tissues around the heel.
Heel pain often develops when repetitive stress exceeds the body’s ability to recover. Factors such as tight calf muscles, prolonged standing, weight gain, poor footwear, and changes in activity levels can all contribute.
The good news is that most causes of heel pain can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment today to identify the source of your pain and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
What are Common Causes of Heel Pain?
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed.
Plantar Fasciosis is a common cause of chronic heel pain. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation, plantar fasciosis occurs when the plantar fascia develops small tears and begins to degenerate over time due to repeated stress and inadequate healing.
Heel Bursitis is a condition that occurs when one of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the heel becomes irritated or inflamed.
Heel Spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone over time. While not all heel spurs cause pain, they often occur alongside plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Insertional Pain is where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, commonly related to overuse, tendon degeneration, or bone spurs.
How We Diagnose Heel Pain
At Rochester Clinic, we take the time to understand not only where your pain is located, but why it is occurring.
Your evaluation may include:
- Review of your symptoms and medical history
- Examination of your foot, ankle, and gait
- Assessment of flexibility and biomechanics
- Digital X-rays
- Diagnostic imaging when necessary
Our goal is to identify the root cause of your pain so we can recommend the most effective treatment.
When Should You See a Foot Specialist at Rochester Clinic?
You should schedule an evaluation if:
- Heel pain lasts longer than two weeks
- Pain is worsening over time
- Walking becomes difficult
- Home treatments are not helping
- You notice swelling, numbness, or weakness
- Pain is affecting your work, exercise, or daily activities
Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.
Request an appointment today!
