There are many reasons why you may have heel pain. Heel pain significantly affects your life, disrupting your ability to walk comfortably and get from one place to another. Here at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Chandler, AZ, we treat heel pain often. Our podiatrists, who are experts in the treatment of foot and ankle pain, will diagnose the root cause of your heel pain and correct it. After treatment with us, you will be back to full functioning and no longer need to avoid the activities you love.

What are some diagnoses that cause heel pain?

Some common conditions that lead to heel pain are:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Trauma to the foot and ankle complex
• Bone spurs
• Arthritis
• Bursitis

The above conditions are the most common causes of heel pain. Many other causes of heel pain are not as common. Some examples are:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Similar to the more well-known carpal tunnel syndrome of the hands, there is a "tunnel" in your ankle which envelops and protects nerves leading to the foot. This tunnel can become inflamed and irritated, which decreases the space in the tunnel and can result in nerves being pinched, leading to heel pain.
• Haglund's syndrome: Also referred to as 'pump bump,' this condition occurs when a bony prominence develops on the back of the heel and is usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes.
• Sever's disease: This condition affects children and teens. It is the result of the heel bone growing at a faster rate than the ligaments of the leg. This leads to the ligaments becoming overworked.
• Bruising of the heel pad
• Stress fractures
• Osteomyelitis: An infection or inflammation of the heel bone

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the critical first step in treating your heel pain in Chandler, AZ. Treatment will not be successful without an initial accurate diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for my heel pain?

After determining the root cause of your heel pain, there will be many options for treatment. Our skilled podiatrists will recommend the best treatment strategy. Treatment will entirely depend on your diagnosis and be unique to you.

Various treatment options that may be recommended are:

• Rest and avoidance of aggravating activities 
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Cortisone injections
• Prescription pain killers
• Custom orthotics
• Changing footgear to more supportive shoes
• Physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen targeted muscles that support the heel. 
• Surgery

Contact us

Take the first step in treating your heel pain in Chandler, AZ by scheduling a consultation with us. Contact Family Foot & Ankle Care by calling (480) 732-0033.