Heel Pain
Heel Pain Treatment in Richardson, TX
Heel pain is one of the most frequent reasons patients seek podiatric care, and for good reason. Even mild heel discomfort can affect how you walk, stand, exercise, or perform daily tasks. Over time, untreated heel pain may alter your gait, place stress on other joints, and lead to chronic foot or ankle problems.
At Richardson Podiatry Center, Dr. David Haddad provides comprehensive heel pain evaluation and treatment for patients of all ages. By identifying the root cause of your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan, we help you return to comfortable, confident movement.
Understanding Heel Pain and Foot Anatomy
The heel plays a critical role in weight-bearing and shock absorption. Because it absorbs significant impact with every step, even small structural or biomechanical issues can result in pain.
Key structures involved in heel pain include:
- Calcaneus (heel bone): The largest bone in the foot, responsible for supporting body weight and absorbing impact.
- Plantar fascia: A thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch and stabilizes foot mechanics.
- Achilles tendon: Connects the calf muscles to the heel and allows push-off during walking, running, and jumping.
- Bursae: Small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones and soft tissues.
Inflammation, strain, or repetitive stress affecting any of these structures can lead to persistent heel pain. While plantar fasciitis is a common cause, not all heel pain is the same, which is why proper diagnosis is essential.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is not a single condition but a symptom with several possible underlying causes. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, especially in adults.
Why it develops:
Repeated stress causes microtears in the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. This often occurs in individuals who stand for long periods, wear unsupportive footwear, or suddenly increase activity levels.
Typical symptoms include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest
- Worsening discomfort after prolonged standing or walking
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes irritated from overuse or excessive tension.
Contributing factors:
- Tight calf muscles
- Sudden changes in exercise intensity
- Poor footwear or inadequate stretching
Symptoms may include:
- Pain or stiffness along the back of the heel
- Swelling or tenderness near the tendon
- Pain that worsens with physical activity
Sever’s Disease (Pediatric Heel Pain)
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents.
Why it happens:
During growth spurts, the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, causing increased tension at the growth plate.
Signs to watch for:
- Heel pain during or after sports
- Limping or toe-walking
- Pain when squeezing the heel
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa located between the heel bone and Achilles tendon.
Common causes:
- Repetitive friction from shoes
- Structural foot abnormalities
- Overuse or improper footwear
Symptoms include:
- Swelling and redness at the back of the heel
- Pain when wearing shoes or during activity
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form over time due to repetitive stress on the heel.
Important to know:
Heel spurs are often not the primary source of pain, but they commonly occur alongside plantar fasciitis and can contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Advanced Heel Pain Treatment Options
At Richardson Podiatry Center, treatment is customized based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms. Dr. Haddad may use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, gait analysis, or other imaging when needed to accurately identify the cause of your heel pain.
- Conservative Care – Most heel pain improves with non-surgical treatment, including:
- Activity modification and rest
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Targeted stretching programs
- Custom Orthotics – Custom orthotics provide long-term structural support by correcting abnormal foot mechanics, reducing pressure on the heel, and improving overall alignment.
- Supportive Footwear Guidance – Dr. Haddad helps patients select proper footwear based on foot type, activity level, and occupational demands.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatment – Oral medications or localized treatments may be recommended to manage pain and swelling safely.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy strengthens the foot and ankle, improves flexibility, and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
- Corticosteroid Injections – In select cases, injections may be used to provide short-term relief from severe inflammation while other treatments take effect.
- Surgical Intervention – Surgery is considered only when all conservative options have been exhausted and pain continues to limit daily function.
Preventing Heel Pain and Recurrence
Preventive care plays a major role in long-term foot health.
- Gradually increase activity levels
- Stretch the calves and plantar fascia daily
- Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes
- Avoid prolonged barefoot walking on hard surfaces
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce heel stress
Why Choose Richardson Podiatry Center?
- Experienced podiatric care led by Dr. David Haddad
- Advanced diagnostic evaluation
- Customized, patient-centered treatment plans
- Conservative-first approach with surgical expertise when needed
- Convenient care for patients in Richardson, TX and surrounding areas
Schedule Your Heel Pain Evaluation Today
You don’t have to live with heel pain. With expert care and early intervention, lasting relief is achievable. Call us today at (972) 690-5374 or request an appointment online to begin your path toward pain-free movement.