Heel Pain

Up to six in 10 Americans report suffering from heel pain at one time or another. At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, in West Covina, California, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, offers conservative and surgical care for heel pain. Dr. Shakhbandaryan never rushes the treatment process and offers an array of care options. Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule heel pain treatment, or book your appointment online.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist about heel pain?

Almost everyone experiences heel pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last more than a few days, affect your mobility, and keep you from routine activities determining the underlying cause is essential.

Certain conditions, like plantar fasciitis, worsen over time. Intervention at Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center reduces the risk of complications, so you can return to work and exercise. 

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including the following:

• Sports injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Torn or ruptured Achilles tendon
• Bursitis
• Heel spurs
• Fractures

Children and teens often experience heel pain caused by osteochondrosis, a condition that affects the growth of the bones.

How does a podiatrist and wound care specialist diagnose heel pain?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into other parts of your body, like your forefoot or lower leg.

Next, he completes a thorough exam, checking your heel and the bottom of your foot for redness, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Shakhbandaryan gently presses on your heel and ankle to pinpoint sensitive areas and assesses your gait (the way you walk) and your ability to stand and do other simple exercises. 

Some causes of heel pain, like Achilles tendon injuries, are easy to identify, but others require diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These procedures capture detailed photos of your heel bone and the surrounding tissues, letting Dr. Shakhbandaryan identify the source of your discomfort.

How does a podiatrist treat heel pain?

At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Shakbandaryan treats heel pain using a conservative, patient-centered approach whenever possible. He might suggest:

• Rest
• Ice
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Wearing shoes that fit properly
• Wearing a night splint
• Custom orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections
• PRP injection

If your heel pain continues or worsens, even after conservative treatments, Dr. Shakhbandaryan might recommend surgery. Dr. Shakhbandaryan has extensive training in minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques to repair trauma, remove bone spurs, and correct plantar fasciitis.

Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule heel pain treatment, or book your appointment online.