Common Causes of Heel Pain

If you overuse or injure your heel, you may experience heel pain. This can range from mild to debilitating. To avoid heel pain in North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City, and Lee's Summit, MO, visit Kansas City Foot and Ankle. A podiatrist is the best medical specialist to turn to when heel pain becomes an issue.

Heel pain is a common complaint with many potential causes ranging from conditions that affect the actual heel bone to those that affect structures near it. The pain can be throbbing, stabbing, burning, dull, or aching, depending on the underlying cause and its severity.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Other causes of heel pain also include bursitis, arthritis, stress fractures, and more.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is usually related to overuse or injury from exercise. It can be linked to obesity, age, or medical conditions which affect the strength of your tendons. In some cases, being flat-footed, having a high arch, or having an abnormal pattern of walking can trigger it.

Achilles Tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel, is overused and injured. Men are typically more at risk for this injury, but both women and men who run without proper footwear or suddenly increase the intensity and duration of their runs may suffer from this heel pain.

When Should You See A Podiatrist About Your Heel Pain in North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City, And Lee's Summit, MO?

Reach out to your podiatrist immediately if you experience:

• Inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
• Heel pain that occurs at night or while resting
• Heel pain that persists beyond a few days
• Swelling or discoloration of the back of the foot
• Signs of an infection, including fever or redness

For more information about Heel pain in North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City, and Lee's Summit, MO, contact your podiatrist at Kansas City Foot and Ankle by calling (816) 943-1111 to schedule an appointment today.