Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.
Heel pain is a common chief complaint seen in hospitals and private clinics.
According to one report, the prevalence of plantar heel pain in the population is around 9.8%. As for debilitating plantar heel pain, the numbers are not better, with up to 7.9% of the population dealing with functional disability.
The reason behind the high prevalence of heel pain boils down to the complex anatomy of the ankle region, which consists of 26 bones, 33 articulations, and around 100 tendons.
The severity of the pain ranges from mild to disabling, which is why you should consult with your doctor to get further evaluation.
In this article, we will briefly cover the causes of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, then switch gears to the diagnosis and treatment options.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when your feet are under too much pressure.
By far, this condition is the most common cause of heel pain, with 1% of the U.S. population reporting the diagnosis.
When the plantar fascia gets stretched too far, the soft tissue becomes inflamed. The site of the inflammation is typically around the insertion of the fascia to the heel bone, which explains the pattern of the pain.
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are extremely common injuries that result from a process of wear and tear.
Achilles tendonitis (AT)
Achilles Tendonitis describes the active inflammation of the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel. As a result, receptors in your heel send signals to the brain, leading to sensations of pain.
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs located in several areas around the body, especially your joints.
When the bursae located in your heel become inflamed, they swell up, causing pain in that region.
Also known as pump bumps, heel bumps are common in adolescents. In these subjects, the heel is not yet mature, predisposing it to the formation of bumps after excessive rubs.
The primary trigger of heel bumps is having a flat foot or wearing high heels at an early age.
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition results from the entrapment of a large nerve, which triggers symptoms of neuropathy (e.g., pain, numbness).
Stress fracture
Repetitive stress, high-intensity exercise, and heavy manual work have all been linked to stress fractures.
For instance, runners are particularly prone to stress fractures of their metatarsal bones of the foot. However, osteoporosis is a more common cause of stress fractures.
The diagnosis of heel pain
When you visit our clinic, your doctor will take your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination of the foot.
You may expect questions such as:
The next step is to examine and test the muscles in order to identify any dermatological or neurological conditions.
For instance, squeezing the heel help your doctor differentiate between a nerve problem, the presence of a cyst, or a bone fracture.
While these steps are usually sufficient, your doctor may need to order additional tests (e.g., blood tests, imaging scans).
After collecting information from your medical history, clinical examination, and results of tests, your doctor will pinpoint a diagnosis for your heel pain and start a treatment plan.
If you are dealing with heel pain, here are some ways to relieve it:
In case these methods are unsuccessful in relieving your pain, it may be time to visit your doctor or podiatrist to get a tailored treatment approach.
After taking your history and performing a thorough physical examination, your doctor may order a foot X-ray to narrow down the cause of your heel pain. Once the etiology (i.e., cause) is clear, treating your pain becomes more effective.
In some cases, you may also need physical therapy, especially when your heel pain is chronic. This will strengthen the muscles and tendons around your foot to prevent further damage.
In extremely rare cases, your doctor may suggest undergoing surgery to repair the injury once and for all. However, this method is not always the best approach since it requires a long duration of recovery, and in many cases, heel pain doesn’t subside.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy – ESWT is mainly reserved to treat plantar fasciitis by releasing high-frequency shock waves that reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Platelet-rich plasma – throughout many research papers, scientists found that PRP accelerates recovery after traumatic injury by promoting the release of repair agents. Using PRP to treat heel pain is a fantastic way to prevent relapses.
Amniotic Regenerative Therapy – Amniotic therapy involves the injection of cells with endless differentiation properties. These cells can help repair the damaged tissues seen with several illnesses listed above and also help to restore lost functions.
Class IV laser – the Class IV Laser uses specific wavelengths of light to treat heel pain. The wavelengths stimulate the regeneration at the cellular level without putting you at risk of thermal injuries that other lasers may inflict.
Botox – you’ve probably heard of Botox as the magical substance that smooths out wrinkles and subsides signs of aging. However, the same properties of this compound (i.e., muscle relaxant) can also relieve pain and pressure when the heel area is inflamed.
Cortisone injections – injecting corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone) into the site of inflammation is one of the most efficient ways to accelerate recovery.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures – these techniques are minimally invasive, but they lead to similar results as conventional surgery. Many athletes prefer this option to get back to the competition as soon as possible.
Simple heel pain responds greatly to home remedies that involve resting, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter (OCT) painkillers.
However, if your symptoms do not improve within 2–3 weeks, it might be time for a doctor’s visit.
In case you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately:
If you live in the following areas, you can book an appointment with our excellent team of doctors at Michigan Podiatry by clicking on this link:
Heel pain prevention
Preventing heel pain by avoiding injury is the best approach to this issue. However, do not expect zero risk even after taking every precautionary measure.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Heel Pain:
Heel pain is a common symptom that most people experience at some point. Most patients with heel pain have faulty foot mechanics that contribute to their condition. Custom orthotics, placed in your shoes, reduce mechanical stress on your feet and help resolve painful symptoms. Our doctors at Foot Healthcare Associates, utilize precision-made orthotic devices to provide our patients with the best results in resolving heel pain.
If you are having problems with heel pain, please contact our heel pain doctors today at 248.258.0001 to schedule an appointment in Novi, Livonia, Howell, or Southfield / Bingham Farms. Your Heel Pain treatments are covered by most insurances.
©Copyright 2025 Foot Healthcare Associates.
©Copyright 2025 Foot Healthcare Associates.
