Heel pain is a serious podiatric condition, yet many people neglect to seek professional help in hopes that the pain will stop on its own. What you may not realize is that this condition occurs in a wide range of forms with varying degrees of severity, and thus there are several different treatment options available. To properly diagnose the source of your heel pain and implement appropriate treatment, your podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America is here to help.

Often referred to as heel pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis results from an inflamed plantar fascia – a band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. The distinguishing characteristics of this ailment are its occurrences when you first stand up in the morning and after long periods of continuously sitting down. Fortunately, this form of heel pain can be successfully treated with non-surgical procedures approximately 90% of the time. Our page on plantar fasciitis contains detailed information on the condition and its treatment options.

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It causes pain along the back of the leg, normally near the heel.Achilles Tendinitis commonly occurs in runners, middle aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball. The repetitive stress to the tendon is the problem. Achilles tendinitis can weaken the tendon, making it vulnerable to a tear which is a painful injury that usually requires surgical repair.

Unfortunately, children are equally prone to heel pain in one or both of their feet, particularly between 8 and 12 years of age. This age group often becomes seriously involved in sports while the growth plate in the back of their heel is still in the process of development. Excessive strain on the growth plate can cause inflammation, which can be highly uncomfortable for the child. The quickest and most reliable way to alleviate your child’s pain is ice, rest, and a break from strenuous activities.

In less common cases, pediatric heel pain can be attributed to a neuritis or nerve injury, stress fracture, bone cyst, foreign body, painful wart or other skin condition, and trauma.

Regardless of the type of heel pain that you are experiencing, it is best to discuss the problem with your podiatrist and determine the root cause of your or your child’s pain. Our expert team of podiatrists at Ankle & Foot Centers of America specialize in the treatment of heel pain, providing us with the required knowledge to create a treatment plan based on each patient’s distinct needs.

To learn more about plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and/or pediatric heel pain, your podiatrist is just one call away. Please do not hesitate to contact us.