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Hi, I'm Dr. Zoe Ramos, your foot and ankle coach. I'm here to talk about Achilles tendinitis and how we can help you find relief. Achilles tendonitis is when the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel, gets inflamed and sore. This often happens because of too much running, jumping, or wearing the wrong shoes, but can also be caused by direct trauma. This tendon can get overworked, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting. Age and activity level play a role too; as we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury, especially if we're active. Treating Achilles tendonitis can often take longer than expected because the Achilles tendon has poor blood supply in certain areas, making it more prone to inflammation and limiting some treatment options. That is why it's crucial to address Achilles tendinitis as soon as possible to relieve pain and prevent further issues. One effective treatment in the early stages of Achilles tendinitis is class 4 laser therapy. Orthotics are essential to support your feet and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. We take an impression of your feet to order custom orthotics, which are specific to your feet and to your gait. If you have foot structure issues like flat feet or high arches, consider using orthotics to provide better support. Don't let Achilles tendinitis slow you down. Come to Forward Foot and Ankle Center for the help you need. Call us or visit our website to book your appointment. Forward Foot and Ankle Center, where your healing journey begins.
Symptoms of Heel Pain:
The symptoms of heel pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common manifestations include:
- Pain Underneath the Heel: The most typical location of heel pain is underneath the heel bone. The pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing in nature.
- Pain at the Back of the Heel: In cases of Achilles tendinitis or bursitis, the pain may be felt at the back of the heel, close to where the Achilles tendon inserts into the bone.
- Stiffness and Discomfort: Heel pain can often be accompanied by stiffness and discomfort, particularly after rest or in the morning.
- Swelling and Redness: Inflammation may cause swelling and redness in the affected area.
- Difficulty Walking: Severe heel pain can make walking or standing for prolonged periods challenging.
What Are Common Causes of Heel Pain:
Many people feel heel pain, ankle aches, and bunion discomfort, which are just struggles to be endured, not problems that can be resolved with the help of the right professional. Here are eight common causes of heel pain you should look out for:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is among the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. This is often caused by excessive strain, such as prolonged standing, running, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. The pain is sharp and stabbing, primarily felt when you first wake up in the morning or after prolonged rest. During rest, the band contracts and becomes shorter. On that first step, the excessive, sudden pull of the plantar fascia will cause the inflammation to get worse. If left untreated, the pain can persist, as the inflammation can affect the heel bone. It may also lead to arch pain.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is another common cause of heel pain, characterized by discomfort at the back of your heel. The Achilles tendon, one of the strongest tendons in your body, can become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive stress, which is very common in athletes and runners. This inflammation leads to pain that may extend into your calf muscles. Due to the poor blood flow to some areas of the Achilles tendon, there is a greater susceptibility to tearing it or causing permanent damage. Treating Achilles tendonitis promptly is crucial to finding relief.
- Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are calcifications that develop on the heel bone. They can form at the attachment point of the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon. The constant pulling created by the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon can cause micro-tears that begin to calcify as they heal. The good news is that seeing a heel spur on X-rays does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of your pain. Remember, we don’t treat X-rays. We are here to evaluate you thoroughly and treat you case by case. Do not be afraid to make an appointment fearing you need surgery to remove the spur!
- Heel Bursitis: Did you know our bodies have ways of protecting and healing themselves? When there is an area of irritation in our joints or bony prominences, our bodies create a bursa, a fluid-filled sac designed to cushion those irritated areas. Unfortunately, the bursa gets inflamed when the irritation persists, causing bursitis. Bursitis can cause pain on the bottom or back of your heel and, even worse, may occur in conjunction with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
- Fat Pad Atrophy: Unfortunately, the first place we lose fat is where we need it the most: our heels. The fat pad underneath the heel can wear down over time, leading to less cushioning and increased pressure on the heel bone, resulting in pain. That is why, as we get older, we prefer comfortable shoes.
- Stress Fracture: With all the repeated impact and pressure we usually put on our heels, they can start getting a stress reaction. That stress reaction can weaken the shell of the heel bone and cause a tiny crack or a hairline fracture, just as when you slightly crack an egg but don’t break it. But guess what? If that stress continues, it can cause a much worse fracture, which may require surgical intervention to treat it properly. When you visit us at Forward Foot & Ankle Center with heel pain, we take x-rays to rule out a stress fracture. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further damage and more serious fractures that may require surgical intervention.
- Haglund's Deformity: Haglund's deformity, commonly known as a "pump bump," manifests as a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. It often occurs due to friction between the heel and the back of the shoes. While it can cause varying levels of pain, there are treatment options available to address the condition.
- Nerve Entrapment: Sometimes, the ankle and heel bone nerves can become trapped or compressed, leading to pain in the heel and surrounding areas.
When to See a Livermore Podiatrist for Heel Pain
Visit our Livermore podiatrist office for Heel Pain Treatment. I understand that dealing with persistent heel pain can be disheartening, but it doesn't have to be a long-lasting issue. Together, we can identify the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan. Remember, seeking treatment early is essential. Reach out to us by calling 925-532-0002 or requesting an appointment online. I look forward to meeting you soon and helping you find relief from your heel pain.