Is It Plantar Fasciitis or Something Else?

When Does Heel Pain Need a Professional Diagnosis?

Heel pain can be frustrating and disruptive. It affects everyday activities, like walking, exercise, and standing. Many people assume their heel pain is plantar fasciitis, but is the only possible reason? There could be many reasons your heel might hurt, and self-diagnosing can lead to the wrong treatment. In a few cases, it can make the pain even worse. In this post, we’ll discuss different causes of heel pain, common signs of plantar fasciitis, and why a professional diagnosis from a podiatrist is key to lasting relief.

Understanding Heel Pain: Is It Plantar Fasciitis?

Heel pain doesn’t have a single cause. While plantar fasciitis is common, other conditions can cause similar symptoms. The right diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. A certified podiatrist has the expertise to identify and treat the root cause of your heel pain. To start, let’s understand what plantar fasciitis is and what symptoms to look for.

Plantar Fasciitis- Definition

Inflammation that occurs in plantar fascia is referred to as Plantar fasciitis, a thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot. Plantar fascia joints the heel bone to the toes and helps support the arch. Strain, Overuse, etc., can cause tiny tears in this tissue, leading to pain. This condition is common among runners, people who stand for long hours, and individuals with high arches or flat feet.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Sharp Heel Pain: Pain is usually sharp and focused on the bottom of the heel. It’s often most intense with the first steps in the morning or after resting.
• Pain that Changes with Movement: The pain might ease as you start moving but can worsen with prolonged standing.
• Localized Tenderness: The pain usually happens at the heel’s bottom but can extend into the arch.

Other Common Causes of Heel Pain

Although plantar fasciitis is common, it’s not the only cause of heel pain. Here’s a look at some other conditions that might be causing your discomfort.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis affects the Achilles tendon. It connects the calf muscles with heel bone. The condition is often found in athletes or people who increase their physical activity suddenly.

• Symptoms: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after activity. Swelling may also be present.
• Cause: Overuse of high-impact activities, such as running and jumping.
• Differences from Plantar Fasciitis: The pain is at the back of the heel, not the bottom.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are small bony growths that form on the heel bone. They often develop due to prolonged strain on the foot muscles and ligaments.

• Symptoms: Heel spurs themselves may not hurt, but they can cause discomfort when standing or walking, especially alongside plantar fasciitis.
• Cause: Strain on the heel and arch, common in people with flat feet or high arches.
• Differences from Plantar Fasciitis: Pain may feel less sharp and is often less localized.

Bursitis

Bursitis in the heel occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the heel, becomes inflamed. It’s common in people who put extra pressure on their heels.

• Symptoms: Deep, achy pain at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain worsens with pressure.
• Cause: Prolonged pressure on the heel or injury.
• Differences from Plantar Fasciitis: Pain is more of a dull ache, unlike the sharper pain of plantar fasciitis.

Stress Fractures

A small crack in the heel bone is called a Stress Fracture. It’s usually caused by repetitive force or Overuse. Stress fractures are common among athletes and people who increase activity too quickly.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Swelling may also be present.
• Cause: Repeated impact, like running or jumping.
• Differences from Plantar Fasciitis: Stress fracture pain doesn’t ease with movement. Swelling is also more likely.

Nerve Entrapment (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occures due to the compression in the tibial nerve near the inner ankle. This condition can cause heel pain, especially on the inner side of the foot.

• Symptoms: Burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the heel and along the arch.
• Cause: Compression of the tibial nerve, which can result from injury or swelling.
• Differences from Plantar Fasciitis: Pain often includes tingling or burning sensations, which aren’t typical with plantar fasciitis.

Why Self-Diagnosis Can Be Risky

Self-diagnosing heel pain can be risky. Many of these conditions share similar symptoms, and mistaking one condition for another can lead to ineffective treatments. For example, trying to treat a stress fracture as if it’s plantar fasciitis can make the injury worse. A professional diagnosis can give you the right treatment plan to relieve your heel pain and prevent further issues.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Sometimes, heel pain improves with simple home treatments. However, certain symptoms indicate that professional care is needed:

• Pain That Lasts More Than Two Weeks: If pain doesn’t improve after two weeks of rest and home treatments, see a podiatrist.
• Pain That Increases with Activity: If pain worsens when you’re active, it may signal a more serious problem, like a stress fracture.
• Swelling or Bruising: A little bit of swelling or bruising around the heel may indicate a fracture or tendon injury.
• Tingling, Numbness, or Burning: These symptoms suggest nerve involvement, like tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Pain on the Back or Sides of the Heel: Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain at the bottom of the heel, not the sides or back. Pain in these areas may mean a different condition.

How a Podiatrist Can Help with Heel Pain

Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot pain. Below are a few reasons why consulting Here’sa podiatrist can be so beneficial:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: A podiatrist uses tools like imaging and physical exams to find the exact cause of heel pain.
2. Personalized Treatment: Based on the diagnosis, the podiatrist makes a treatment plan tailored to your condition, whether it’s plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or something else.
3. Advanced Treatment Options: Podiatrists offer treatments beyond home care, like custom orthotics, physical therapy, and shockwave therapy.
4. Long-Term Relief and Prevention: A podiatrist not only treats current pain but also provides advice to prevent future heel issues.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Once a podiatrist has diagnosed the cause, they will recommend a treatment plan. Some common treatments include:

• Rest and Ice: For mild cases, rest and ice can help reduce inflammation.
• Stretching and Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching helps relieve pain from plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Physical therapy may also be used.
• Custom Orthotics: Custom orthotics support the arch and reduce heel pressure, helping with conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
• Medications and Injections: With conditions like bursitis or severe plantar fasciitis, anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can be helpful.
• Advanced Treatments: For chronic pain, a podiatrist may recommend shockwave therapy or even surgery.

Book an Appointment with a Los Angeles Podiatrist

If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it’s time to get help from Valley Foot & Ankle Center. Don’t let pain limit your activities or keep you from enjoying life. Our experienced podiatrist in Los Angeles is here to help you find the cause of your heel pain and provide lasting relief. Whether dealing with plantar fasciitis or another heel condition, VFAC can give you the best care.