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Heel Pain

San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle 3180 N Butler Ave, Building 300
Farmington, NM 87401

Phone: 505.327.1400
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Many injuries and conditions, like plantar fasciitis, can cause lingering heel pain. Living with heel pain can make simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable and, in some cases, unbearable. Fortunately, the skilled team of podiatrists at San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle is here to help. Our experienced providers can diagnose the cause of your heel pain and help you find solutions that put it to rest. Book your appointment by calling the office in Farmington, New Mexico.

What are the common causes of heel pain?

Numerous conditions and injuries can contribute to heel pain, which can make it difficult to walk, stand, and go about your daily life. Some common conditions that are responsible for foot pain include:

Plantar fasciitis

This painful condition occurs when the fascia that stretches across the bottom of your foot grows inflamed. It causes a shooting pain at the bottom of your heel that tends to be worse first thing in the morning or after a period of rest.

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis often causes pain at the back of your heel. When the Achilles tendon is inflamed, it can turn stiff, swollen, and painful.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form protrusions on the bottom or back of the heel bone. They often form due to long-term inflammation and instability in either your plantar fascia or your Achilles tendon.

Bursitis

Bursas are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion movement between your tendons and bones. When they grow irritated or inflamed — a condition known as bursitis — they can cause significant localized pain.

Heel fractures

Heel fractures often come from a hard impact or jolt, like a fall or a sudden twisting motion. If you fracture your heel, your foot will swell and bruise, and you’ll feel a lot of pain. Heel pain may also be caused by bone tumors, bone infections, peripheral neuropathy, and various forms of arthritis.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Your San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle podiatrist examines your feet, asks questions about your pain, and may observe your gait (how you walk). Often, diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs are used in-house to confirm a diagnosis or get more details about the underlying cause.

How is heel pain treated?

Once your podiatrist diagnoses the cause of your heel pain, they will create a customized treatment plan to ease your discomfort. Treatment options may include:

  • Rest and ice therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
  • Shockwave therapy or MLS laser therapy
  • Immobilization (boots or casts) for fractures
  • Custom orthotics and specialized footwear
  • Stretching, specialized exercises, or night splints

If you’re interested in treatment for ongoing heel pain, call San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle today.

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Podiatric surgeons provide specialized surgical and non-invasive treatments for all foot and ankle conditions.

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