Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. Your foot doctor is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and to determine the underlying source of your heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel

• Pain in the arch of the foot

• Pain that is usually worse upon arising

• Pain that increases over a period of months

• Swelling on the bottom of the heel
  

Although most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to nonsurgical treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If, after several months of nonsurgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgery will be considered. Your foot doctor will discuss the surgical options with you and determine which approach would be most beneficial for you.

Here at Dearborn Foot and Ankle, we are specialized in the treatment of a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Come see us, we will be happy to go over your treatment options.

Contact us today for an appointment or to learn more.