Heel Pain: 5 Common Causes

It’s easy to take your feet for granted until something goes wrong and you’re in pain and can’t move normally. Discomfort in your feet can make it very difficult to get around and do all the things you need to do. 

There are many things that can cause heel pain. Getting timely and proper treatment for heel pain restores your freedom of movement and gives you back your life.

Leonard Greenwald, DPM, serves patients in the San Jose, California, area. Dr. Greenwald is a highly skilled and respected podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon. Dr. Greenwald offers a full range of services that address many common foot and ankle conditions, including bunions, diabetic foot care, and heel pain. Supported by his experienced and friendly staff, Dr. Greenwald provides the quality foot care you need in a comfortable and supportive environment. 

What causes heel pain?

Your feet are made up of 26 bones, over 30 joints, and contain more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to keep everything in place. As they bear the weight of your body, your feet are under constant stress. 

There are a number of different causes of heel pain. After reviewing your medical history, your symptoms, and ordering any needed tests, Dr. Greenwald gives you a diagnosis for your heel pain and develops a treatment plan that is customized to your needs. 

Common causes of heel pain

Some of the most common causes for heel pain include:

Bruising

Sometimes heel or other foot pain is caused by bruising on your feet. Your feet are delicate, and stepping on something hard or kicking a hard object can result in bruising that causes pain, especially when you put pressure on that area. 

Bursitis

Places where two bones meet are called joints. To prevent the bones from rubbing together, cartilage and small fluid sacs called bursa provide cushioning. Sometimes direct pressure or repetitive motion causes these sacs to become inflamed and swell, a condition called bursitis. 

Stress fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. This can be caused by repetitive force, typically from running long distances or repeated jumping. Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to weaken, can also cause stress fractures. 

Plantar fasciitis

One of the many tissues in your body, your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that is located along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel to your toes. When this tissue gets overused, it can become inflamed and cause significant pain, called plantar fasciitis. This is a common condition in runners and people who wear shoes without proper support.

Heel spurs

If plantar fasciitis isn’t treated, it can cause calcium deposits on your heel bone, creating bone-like growths called heel spurs. Sometimes heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms, but they may result in inflammation, swelling, and pain that can be acute. 

Whatever the cause of your foot pain, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified podiatrist who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Call our office to set up an appointment, text us, or use our online booking system to find a time and date that work best for you.