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Heel Pain Specialist

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Specialists located in Homer Glen, IL & Southwest Suburbs, New Lenox, IL

Are you one of the millions of Americans who regularly experience heel pain? Though this problem is incredibly common, the worse it gets, the more likely it is to prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy. At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, regularly work with patients to diagnose and relieve heel pain. Make your appointment today by calling the office in Homer Glen or Southwest Suburbs, New Lenox, Illinois, or clicking the online booking tool.

Heel Pain Q & A

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common foot-related health problems, but it affects everyone differently. Sometimes it causes a sharp, shooting pain directly under your heel or just behind it. Other times, it’s dull and throbbing and occurs on the outer edge or inside of your heel. 

Heel pain typically doesn’t result following an accident or injury. Instead, it develops due to repetitive stress, such as daily-wear-and-tear or pounding of your heel. 

What are some common causes of heel pain?

At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, the team regularly treats heel pain caused by a number of ailments, including:

Plantar fasciitis

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of web-like tissue that runs from your heels to your toes. Activities like running, walking, and jumping can cause your plantar fascia to stretch too far, causing small tears to form. Left untreated, these small tears become inflamed, causing significant heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain worldwide. 

Heel bursitis

Bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion your joints. Stepping down in an awkward way or rolling your ankle can cause the bursa toward the back of your heel to become inflamed. Pain caused by heel bursitis is dull but typically gets worse throughout the course of the day. 

Stress fractures

A stress fracture occurs as a result of strenuous exercise, repetitive stress, or heavy manual labor. Stress fractures can affect anyone, but they’re especially common in runners and people with osteoporosis. 

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis, also known as degenerative tendinopathy, is a chronic condition marked by the progressive degeneration of your Achilles tendon. Exercise and other repetitive activities can put stress on your Achilles tendon, causing small tears to form. As more tears form, your Achilles tendon becomes weaker causing pain, swelling, and immobility. 

How is heel pain diagnosed?

At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, the team diagnoses heel pain by physically examining your foot and ankle, reviewing your medical history, and asking about your symptoms. 

Your provider might also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the room to observe your gait and posture. If necessary, the team might also order X-rays to get a closer look at the underlying structures of your feet.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment for heel pain depends on the source and severity of your symptoms.  

For mild heel pain, your Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist provider might recommend physical therapy; rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol); or custom orthotic devices. 

If your heel pain persists or gets worse, surgical intervention may be necessary. Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist offers minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques. 

Don’t let ankle pain keep you sidelined. Make an appointment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist by calling the office or clicking the booking tool today.