Heel Pain Specialist
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Podiatry Healthcare Associates
Maurice Betesh, DPM
Foot & Ankle Specialist located in Midwood, Clinton Hills, & Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY
Heel pain is among the top reasons for foot problems today, but fortunately, there’s usually a very simple explanation and solution behind it. The expert board-certified podiatrist at Podiatry Healthcare Associates, Maurice Betesh, DPM, can diagnose and treat heel pain problems of all types, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and bone fractures. Podiatry Healthcare Associates has three Brooklyn, New York City locations – Midwood, Clinton Hills, and Marine Park – so call the one nearest you or book online now.
Heel Pain Q & A
What causes heel pain?
There are several possible causes, but some of the most common reasons you might have heel pain include:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes pronounced heel pain that usually happens when you arise and take the first steps of your day. As you move around, pain decreases, but it comes back after a long period of rest.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the big ligament going along the bottom of your foot, grows badly inflamed. Usually, repetitive strain causes it. Runners and other athletes can be prone to plantar fasciitis, but it’s also common in obese men and women.
Heel spur
A heel spur is a small calcium growth, a protrusion on the bottom of your heel. Many heel spurs don’t actually cause pain, but in some cases, they can trigger serious heel pain with every step you take. Heel spurs can be associated with (but not caused by) plantar fasciitis.
Bone fracture
A bone fracture is an incomplete break, one that doesn’t go all the way through your bone. If you have a bone fracture in an ankle bone, it can cause heel pain, especially if it affects the bottom part of your heel bones.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a serious inflammation of your Achilles tendon, the long tendon that tucks into your heel. Usually, Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury, often related to a sudden increase in exercise or other dramatic routine changes. This condition can cause pain in the upper part of your heel, but if the pain is lower or on the bottom of your foot, it’s likely another condition like a heel spur or plantar fasciitis.
At Podiatry Healthcare Associates, Dr. Betesh examines your entire foot, concentrating on the heel, to find the origin of your heel pain. You may also need diagnostic imaging tests like X-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the exact reason for your heel pain.
How is heel pain treated?
Dr. Betesh customizes all heel pain treatment at Podiatry Healthcare Associates for your particular needs. Most heel pain responds favorably to conservative treatments such as:
- Rest
- Heat and ice packs
- Strapping or taping
- Bracing
- Custom orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid injections
- Stretching exercises
- Shockwave therapy
If your heel pain doesn’t improve with any of these treatments, Dr. Betesh may recommend surgery, for example, a plantar fascia release to partially detach the plantar fascia and reduce your pain and pressure.
Start walking pain-free again with help from Podiatry Healthcare Associates. Call the location nearest you or book online today for heel pain treatment.
