The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain

Are you suffering from heel pain that makes you feel uncomfortable while walking or running? At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ben Olsen, and Dr. Ross Bartley offer the most effective plantar fasciitis diagnosis and treatment in Independence, St. Joseph, and Kansas City, MO.

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a condition in the bottom, side, or back of the heel. The pain is usually intense where the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, making it uncomfortable to walk, jump, or run.

Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis is the major cause of pain at the bottom of your heel. The plantar fascia is essential in absorbing pressure and strains on your feet to help you walk or run comfortably.

However, too much pressure on your feet wears and tears the plantar fascia ligaments, leading to inflammation that in turn causes heel pain. The problem is common among athletes and overweight individuals.

At our clinics in Independence, St. Joseph, and Kansas City, MO, our team of experts will conduct tests and prescribe the appropriate treatment for plantar fasciitis and other heel conditions you may experience.

Other causes of heel pain include:

• Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is caused by acute strain on the Achilles tendon that joins the calf muscles to your heel bone. Excessive exercises, including jumping and running, cause tendon inflammation that leads to pain.
•  Heel Bursitis: Heel Bursitis affects the fluid-filled sacs (bursa), which cushions joints, ligaments, and bones to enhance efficient fluid movement. Excessive standing, running, walking, or jumping can injure the bursa and cause pain.
•  Heel bone fractures: Heel bone fracture is caused by injury from a car accident, ankle sprain, or falling from higher heights like the ladder. Such accidents can crush the heel, leading to severe pain.

Most doctors use physical therapy to treat heel bursitis. However, depending on your condition, they may recommend surgery to remove the affected bursa.

 Our specialists will conduct X-ray tests to check for bone fractures. Then, depending on your condition, they may consider surgery to put the broken bones together and restore mobility.

Contact Us Today

If you need medical attention for your heel pain, Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons is your trusted healthcare facility. For years, Dr. Grimes, Dr. Olsen, and Dr. Bartley have been serving the residents of Independence, St. Joseph, and Kansas City, MO offering effective plantar fasciitis treatment as well as solutions for other causes of heel pain. For more information about our services, call all our locations at (816) 364-2338 or go online to book your appointment today.