Heel Pain Treatment in Flower Mound, TX
Your heels carry the full weight of your body with every step. When heel pain strikes, it can affect everything from your morning routine to your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Davey Suh provides accurate diagnosis and effective heel pain treatment for patients throughout Flower Mound, TX. Call (972) 899-2170 today to start your path to relief.
What Causes Heel Pain?
The heel bone — the calcaneus — is the largest bone in the foot, and it absorbs an enormous amount of stress over the course of a day. Heel pain can stem from a wide variety of causes, ranging from overuse and poor footwear to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the specific cause of your pain is essential to treating it effectively, which is why a thorough examination by Dr. Suh is the critical first step.
Common causes of heel pain include overuse from prolonged standing on hard surfaces, sudden injuries, inadequate footwear support, poor posture or gait mechanics, being overweight, and having flat feet or high arches. Some conditions develop gradually over days or weeks, while others come on suddenly after a specific activity or incident.
Common Heel Pain Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the base of the toes — and typically produces a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel that is worst with the first steps of the morning or after sitting for extended periods. It is especially common in people who spend long hours on their feet, runners, and those with flat feet or tight calf muscles.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon — the large tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. It causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, particularly during or after physical activity. It’s common in runners and athletes who increase their training load too quickly, as well as in people who wear high heels regularly.
Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis occurs when the bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the back of the heel — becomes inflamed from repetitive friction or pressure. It typically presents as a bruise-like pain at the back of the heel after prolonged activity and may be accompanied by swelling.
Haglund’s Deformity
Also known as “pump bump,” Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel that develops in response to repeated pressure from rigid footwear, particularly pumps and high heels. The prominence irritates the surrounding soft tissue, causing pain, swelling, and redness at the back of the heel.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents. It occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding tendons and muscles, causing the Achilles tendon to pull on the growth plate. It is often seen in young athletes who participate in running and jumping sports. As part of our children’s foot care services, Dr. Suh can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease effectively.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone as a result of repeated stress on the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles. While heel spurs themselves are not always painful, they often coexist with plantar fasciitis and can contribute to discomfort.
Heel Pain Treatment at DFW Foot and Ankle
When you visit Dr. Suh for heel pain, he will conduct a thorough examination of your foot and ankle, review your medical history, and ask about your symptoms, activities, and footwear. Based on his findings, he’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the heel
- Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory measures
- Custom orthotics to provide targeted arch support and heel cushioning
- Stretching exercises for the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia
- MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing
- Shock wave therapy for chronic, stubborn heel pain
- Night splints to prevent overnight tightening of the plantar fascia
- Cortisone injections when appropriate
The vast majority of heel pain conditions respond very well to conservative, non-surgical treatment. Dr. Suh will always start with the least invasive options and escalate only if necessary. Call (972) 899-2170 or book online to schedule your evaluation at DFW Foot and Ankle in Flower Mound, TX.
Heel Pain FAQs
How do I know what is causing my heel pain?
The location, quality, and timing of your heel pain provide important clues. Pain at the bottom of the heel that’s worst in the morning typically points to plantar fasciitis, while pain at the back of the heel suggests Achilles tendinitis or bursitis. A bony bump at the back of the heel may indicate Haglund’s deformity. Dr. Suh will evaluate your symptoms thoroughly and may use imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Will heel pain go away on its own?
Some mild heel pain resolves with rest, but many conditions — particularly plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis — become chronic without proper treatment. Waiting too long to seek care often means a longer, more difficult recovery. If your heel pain has persisted for more than a week or two, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
What is the best treatment for heel pain?
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause. For plantar fasciitis, a combination of custom orthotics, stretching, and laser or shock wave therapy tends to produce excellent results. For Achilles tendinitis, eccentric strengthening exercises and load management are key. Dr. Suh will tailor your treatment plan to your specific diagnosis and lifestyle.
Can I exercise with heel pain?
In many cases, low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are fine to continue during recovery. High-impact activities like running should be reduced or temporarily replaced until the condition improves. Dr. Suh will advise you on what is safe based on your specific condition.
Do custom orthotics really help heel pain?
Yes — custom orthotics are one of the most effective tools for treating and preventing heel pain. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, prescription orthotics are made specifically for your foot mechanics, providing the targeted support and cushioning your heels need to heal and stay healthy long-term.
Is heel pain common in children?
Yes. Sever’s disease is a very common cause of heel pain in active children ages 8 to 14. It is caused by stress on the heel’s growth plate during periods of rapid growth. It is not serious and responds well to conservative treatment through our children’s foot care services.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
You should see a podiatrist if your heel pain persists beyond a week or two, if it is severe enough to limit your daily activities, if it gets worse despite rest, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Early professional evaluation leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of the condition becoming chronic.