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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Whats Making Your Heel Hurt?

One of the reasons patients most frequently come to Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle is heel pain. Our feet are designed to absorb incredible amounts of force—running, for example, can exert the force of two to three times your body weight on your feet. However, injury, overuse or a structural abnormality can all lead to pain in your heel. Some common causes include:

Plantar Fasciitis—when the long ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed or torn heel pain can result. This pain may be at its worst first thing in the morning with patients with plantar fasciitisreporting a sharp, stabbing pain when they take their first steps of the day. If you have this condition, you may also experience pain in the bottom of your foot.

Heel Callus—a callus is an area of dry, thickened skin that forms as a protection against some friction or pressure. Calluses can be caused by footwear that doesn’t fit properly or by an internal bone issue such as an overly long metatarsal bone (the long ones that reach from your midfoot to your toes). If the cause is not determined and dealt with the callus will get larger and can eventually become quite painful.

Heel Spur—a calcium deposit that builds up on the back of the heel is called a heel spur. These often occur in patients who have a history of plantar fasciitis. An x-ray may be needed to diagnose a heel spur.

Haglund’s Deformity—also known as “pump bump,” the pain from this condition is felt in the back of the heel where a bony enlargement forms and then is aggravated by stiff backed shoes.

Getting Relief from the Pain

If you are experiencing heel pain, make an appointment to get it evaluated by our board certified foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss and Dr. Justin Pointer. Appropriate treatment will be determined by the cause of your heel pain. Left untreated, most heel pain will worsen and can eventually lead to serious disability. Contact our Clinton or Waldorf office by calling: (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581 and put yourself on the road to relief.

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Our Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed