3 Common Causes of Heel Pain (and How We Can Help)

Heel pain is easy to ignore, at first, but before you know it, that once minor ache can turn into a chronic stabbing pain with each step. If you’re dealing with heel pain, getting an evaluation sooner rather than later is the right call.

At any given time, roughly 80 million US adults are dealing with foot pain, and for many, it starts in the heel. This small area of the body bears the brunt of every step, absorbing up to 1.5 times your body weight with each stride.

When heel pain sets in, it does more than slow you down. It changes how you walk, stand, and move, a recipe for additional problems in your knees, hips, and back.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, board-certified podiatrist Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, has spent more than two decades diagnosing and treating heel pain with precision. Our patient-centered approach combines advanced technology, conservative care, and, when needed, minimally invasive procedures to provide lasting relief.

When it comes to heel pain, the following are among the most common causes in patients we see in our clinic.

1. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain, and it’s often the first issue we evaluate for. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel bone to your toes, acts like a shock absorber for your foot.

When it becomes overstressed or inflamed, it can cause pain on the bottom of the heel. It’s especially noticeable first thing in the morning with your first few steps of the day.

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis include:

Flat feet
High arches
Being overweight
Older age
Wearing unsupportive shoes
Repetitive stress (running)
Standing for long periods

Evidence-based treatments like stretching, choosing supportive footwear, and getting custom orthotics have been shown to significantly reduce pain and inflammation. For chronic cases, options such as night splints or shock wave therapy (ESWT) can help stimulate tissue healing and speed recovery.

2. Achilles tendinitis

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone so you can move freely as you walk and run. Overuse issues with this tendon can occur due to:

Sudden increases in activity
Improper footwear
Poor athletic training habits
Age-related degeneration

Inflammation and pain can start as a dull ache above the heel and may worsen with activity or stiffness after rest. A combination of eccentric strengthening exercises, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory therapy are standard for recovery.

3. Heel spurs

Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits build up along the underside of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term plantar fascia strain or repetitive impact. While some people never feel pain from heel spurs, others experience sharp, localized discomfort.

Treatment typically involves reducing inflammation and relieving pressure on the affected area. Dr. McCall may recommend orthotics to support your arch, physical therapy to improve foot mechanics, or ESWT to break down scar tissue and stimulate healing.

Surgery to remove a heel spur is rarely needed, but if it becomes necessary, Dr. McCall’s minimally invasive techniques allow for faster recovery and minimal discomfort.

Advanced treatment options

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, Dr. McCall tailors each treatment plan to your specific condition. Alongside conservative care, patients can now benefit from Nitronox PLUS, a nitrous oxide and oxygen system that enhances relaxation during in-office injections and procedures. This helps ensure comfort without compromising precision or results.

Heel pain isn’t something that you should ignore or try to “walk off.” Early intervention can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a chronic issue that affects your mobility.

If heel pain is slowing you down, our experienced team at Alpine Foot and Ankle is dedicated to helping you find an effective solution for lasting relief. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.