Heel Pain

The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes, and Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones in the ankle joint.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated overstretching or overuse and is most often associated with impact and running sports. It can occur in one or both feet and is common in individuals with flat feet or weak foot arch muscles. The condition causes pain under the heel or in the foot arch.

Achilles tendinitis is most often caused by an overuse repetitive strain injury, particularly in sports such as running and soccer and in jobs that require repetitive activities such as walking up and down stairs. Patients with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis are also susceptible to tendinitis. The condition causes ankle pain or tenderness directly over the tendon and may radiate to the foot or lower leg.

If you experience heel pain, the foot and ankle team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group will evaluate your foot and ankle and determine the best course of treatment. Conservative treatments include rest and immobilization, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to correct the cause of the condition.