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If your heel pain is severe or ongoing and prevents you from staying on your feet, see the experts at The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Arverne, Far Rockaway, and Jamaica, Queens, and another in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. They diagnose the cause of your discomfort and provide heel pain treatments offering lasting relief. Call the nearest New York City office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.
Heel Pain Q & A
What is heel pain?
Heel pain is a common foot concern that can cause tenderness, burning, discomfort, or soreness in the back part of your foot (your heel). The pain may worsen with physical activity. Its severity can range from mild to severe, sometimes preventing you from staying active.
Numerous conditions can cause heel pain, particularly Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. Many types of heel pain improve with nonsurgical treatments. The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center team tailors a heel pain treatment plan to your specific needs.
What can cause heel pain?
The following conditions may contribute to heel pain:
- Bursitis (inflamed fluid-filled sacs in the joints)
- Achilles tendinitis
- Sever’s disease in children
- Haglund’s deformity (enlarged bony bump in the heel)
- Stress fractures
- Bone bruises
- Heel spurs
- Obesity
- Foot and ankle arthritis
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Frequent running, jumping, or standing
- Poor-fitted shoes
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Wounds
- Foot and ankle injuries
Determining the root cause of heel pain allows your provider to create an effective treatment plan.
How is the cause of heel pain diagnosed?
The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center team reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms to pinpoint the cause of your heel pain. They perform a physical exam and may order blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic tests.
How is heel pain treated?
Your customized treatment plan is based on the severity and cause of heel discomfort. Your provider may recommend one or more of the following pain-reducing solutions:
- Rest
- Stretching exercises
- Icing
- Orthotics (shoe inserts)
- Taping
- Splinting
- Casting
- Walking boot
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Injections
- Surgery
Surgery usually isn’t necessary, but it’s an option if you have a severe injury linked to heel pain.
What are ways to help prevent heel pain?
There are several ways to help reduce the risk of heel discomfort. Consider stretching your feet regularly, wearing comfortable shoes, and not overtraining. Visit with your The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center provider at the first sign of any discomfort.
Schedule an in-person or telehealth heel pain evaluation at The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.