Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment in Frisco, Texas
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, but it can have several different causes. Pain may develop gradually from repetitive stress or appear suddenly after an injury. It may be felt under the heel, along the arch, at the back of the heel, or around the sides of the foot.
Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, identifying the source of heel pain is essential before beginning treatment.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Common causes of heel pain include:
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis or another tendon disorder
• Heel stress fracture
• Bone bruise or soft-tissue contusion
• Nerve irritation, neuritis, or nerve entrapment
• Arthritis
• Heel-pad irritation or thinning
• Bursitis
• Cysts or other soft-tissue masses
• Bone spurs
• Infection or inflammatory conditions
• Rarely, a bone or soft-tissue tumor
Diagnosing the Cause of Heel Pain
Dr. Woojung Lee will review when the pain began, where it occurs, which activities aggravate it, and whether you have experienced an injury. The examination may include evaluating foot structure, gait, flexibility, strength, nerve symptoms, and the areas of greatest tenderness.
On-site X-rays may be taken to look for a stress injury, arthritis, bone spur, or another bone-related problem. Ultrasound, MRI, laboratory testing, or other diagnostic studies may be recommended when symptoms or examination findings suggest another condition.
When Should Heel Pain Be Evaluated?
Schedule an evaluation if heel pain:
• Persists or progressively worsens
• Interferes with walking, work, exercise, or sleep
• Begins after a fall, impact, or sudden increase in activity
• Is accompanied by significant swelling, bruising, numbness, or weakness
• Makes it difficult to bear weight
• Occurs with redness, warmth, a wound, or fever
• Develops in a patient with diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy
Schedule a heel-pain evaluation at Modern Podiatry in Frisco to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive a treatment plan tailored to your feet, activities, and goals.
