There are many causes of pain under the heel, including:

• Plantar fasciitis (bottom of the heel)
• Achilles tendinitis (back of the heel)
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Bone tumor
• Bursitis (joint inflammation)
• Haglund’s deformity
• Heel spur
• Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
• Paget’s disease of bone
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Reactive arthritis
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
• Sarcoidosis (collections of inflammatory cells)
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Every person’s heel pain is different, therefore the recovery time for each individual will vary. The rate at which someone’s heel pain recovers depends on several factors, including: the cause of the pain; the severity of the pain; the location of the pain; the chronicity of the pain (its duration); and individual metabolism/physiology. The symptoms of heel pain vary from one person to the next, so it is important to be proactive in the recovery process to ensure full form and function are retained.

In mild cases, heel pain lasts around two to three weeks, however moderate cases can be extended to about six weeks. In severe cases of heel pain, it can take a few months to recover. During this time, the soft tissues in the heel repair themselves to restore its normal functioning.

A qualified podiatrist can help speed up the recovery process with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatments.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact a podiatrist as soon as possible:

• Severe pain and swelling near heel
• Inability to bend foot downward
• Inability to walk normally
• Heel pain with fever, numbness or tingling
• Severe heel pain immediately after an injury
• Heel pain that continues even when not on the feet (walking or standing)
• Heel pain that persists for longer than two weeks, even after trying at-home care methods, such as rest, ice and other home treatments

Heel pain is often a symptom of a more serious condition like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or bursitis. Unfortunately, any one of these conditions can get worse over time, leading to several complications. The causes of heel pain vary, and without a proper diagnosis, the original cause of the injury could continue to occur, causing it to become worse over time. With conditions like plantar fasciitis, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible, as the treatment options they provide may lessen the pain and discomfort. Without treatment, however, the condition will likely worsen and may require more drastic measures like injections or surgery to find relief. If you are experiencing heel pain, come to Bay Area Foot & Ankle Associates for professional treatment today. Our qualified podiatrists are experienced in treating heel pain and can help you make a full recovery. Call us today to book an appointment for heel pain treatment, we have convenient locations in California to better serve you: one in Brentwood, and in Walnut Creek. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Danville CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, and Oakley CA.