Understanding the Causes of Heel Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Dr. Neda Arjomandi, our experienced and devoted podiatry doctor, is licensed and certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She directs Laguna Woods Podiatry in Laguna Hills, CA, and is here today to discuss heel pain. 

While there are many reasons for painful heels, one of the more common diagnoses we see and treat patients for is plantar fasciitis, which causes extreme pain while walking or standing. Since plantar fasciitis is the most common pain issue, we will discuss this diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

There is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. This band runs from the heel to the base of the toes. Since you use your feet and undoubtedly walk many miles daily, this band can become irritated. So, getting your pain under control means taking time away from exercise, walking, jogging, and more, as this irritation can worsen. 

Even with the best treatment options, it may take several weeks to gain control of pain from plantar fasciitis through increasing strength and decreasing tightness of the muscles in your foot and calf. 

• Rest with your foot up.
• Start stretching and strengthening exercises with your affected foot. Use a towel, the wall, or the steps.
• Wear the correct size and type of shoes targeting arch support
• Do not go barefoot.
• Shoes should have a thick cushion to help absorb the shock from walking. 
• Use arch inserts or prescription orthotics in your shoes.
• We can tape your foot to eliminate pain.

 Treatment approaches that work for someone else may not work for you because your body's response to painful heels and treatment is different. 

Dr. Arjomandi at Laguna Woods Podiatry in Laguna Hills, CA, explains that you must give the above approaches for heel pain time to work. If they are unsuccessful we can consider surgical solutions. Our treatment options decrease/eliminate pain most times. Once you experience your pain is gone, we help you manage plantar fasciitis to keep the pain at bay. 

Call Us Today To Diagnose and Treat Your Painful Heel

The other common causes of painful heels,

• Achilles Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Fracture of a bone
• Bone Tumor
• Heel Spurs

 Eliminate heel pain by calling Dr. Arjomandi at 949-581-2520 at Laguna Woods Podiatry in Laguna Hills, CA, for a heel pain consultation. Visit us and learn all about our treatment options to eliminate heel discomfort and increase quality of life.