Whether it’s when you first get out of bed in the morning or after a long day of walking or exercising, when you have heel pain, you feel it immediately. Sometimes it may be a dull ache, but other times it may be a sharp shooting pain. There are several likely culprits that may be causing these types of heel pain.

1. Plantar fasciitis is the most common of heel pain issues, and is often the result of activities with repetitive movements such as running or from having an abnormal arch. This type of heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick tissue that connects the heel bone to the toe area. Since it helps to absorb impact during movements, overusing it or injury to the area can cause heel pain.
2. Heel spurs can develop from untreated plantar fasciitis when calcium deposits accumulate to form an abnormal bony growth, which can cause intense pain especially during walking or standing.
3. Achilles tendinitis develops when the Achilles tendon that runs behind the heel becomes inflamed and irritated, which can occur as a result of overuse, injury, and degeneration.
4. Sever’s Disease is a condition that affects the heel growth plate of children, especially those who are active in sports. When the growth plate becomes inflamed, the heel area can become sore and painful.

If you suspect any of these conditions or have any other podiatric issue, Syracuse Podiatry is can provide you with the high quality treatment you need. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico and his dedicated staff are experienced and ready to do whatever it takes to alleviate your foot and ankle problems. Dr. D’Amico is a board-certified podiatrist with a specialty in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and can skillfully treat anything from a sports injury, bunion, hammertoe, to diabetic foot problems. For questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us on our website or call our Fayetteville, NY office at (315) 446-3668.