5 Common Causes of Heel Pain & When To See Your Podiatrist

Living with heel pain? Our team at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle in Clinton, Waldorf, and California, MD can provide personalized and effective treatment plans.

5 Top Causes of Heel Pain and When to Seek Care

Heel pain can take a toll on your life. It might be mild and go away after a few days. In many cases, though, it’s due to something that needs more attention. In this guide, our team at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle in Clinton, Waldorf, and California, MD shares common causes of heel pain and when to visit your podiatrist. 

Lifestyle Factors 

Sometimes heel pain comes from things in your daily life. For example, wearing shoes that do not support your foot structure or being overweight can contribute to heel pain. 

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis sits at the top of the list of common heel pain causes. The tissue that runs from your toes to your heels is called the fascia. When it is stretched too far, sustains too much weight, or is overused, it becomes inflamed, leading to pain in the heel.

Heel Spurs 

Repetitive stress on your foot’s muscles and ligaments or plantar fasciitis can lead to calcium deposits building into a protrusion of the bone. They are common among runners, but anyone can experience them.

Achilles Tendonitis

Another overuse injury that impacts the heels is Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon runs from your heels to your calf muscles. And when it's overused or stretched too far, it develops tiny tears that cause heel pain. 

Foot Mechanics 

Your heel pain might also be due to the structure of your foot and how it operates. Issues like high arches, abnormal foot alignment, and flat feet can all cause you to put more strain on your heel than it’s designed to manage. 

When Is It Time to See a Podiatrist? 

If you notice any of the following signs, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.

• Your pain doesn't go away after a few days.
• The pain occurs while you are resting at night.
• It continues after a few days. 
• You cannot walk comfortably. 
• You have sharp pains when you get out of bed or after you rest. 
• There is any discoloration present. 
• It’s noticeably swollen. 

Your podiatrist will get to the root of your heel pain and determine the best course of action. 

Don’t let heel pain hang around. Schedule an appointment with our team at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle for relief. Call our Waldorf, MD office at (301) 843-9581, our Clinton, MD office at (301) 868-3899, or our California, MD office at (301) 690-6044.