5 Common Causes of Persistent Heel Pain

Your heel absorbs the force of every step, so even a small problem can be hard to ignore once the pain follows you through work, exercise, errands, or your first steps out of bed.

Persistent heel pain isn’t a diagnosis by itself, however. The pain can stem from several conditions, and the right treatment depends on finding the real source.

At Tjoe Podiatry in downtown Jersey City, podiatrist Edward Tjoe, DPM, evaluates heel pain and builds personalized treatment around its cause.

Here’s a look at five common reasons your heel may keep hurting and when it’s time to seek professional help.

#1) Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis happens when the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot gets irritated and inflamed. It often causes sharp pain under the heel, especially with your first steps in the morning or after sitting.

Running, standing for long periods, unsupportive shoes, and sudden activity changes can all add strain. Without the right care, the discomfort can become a daily problem and make even the shortest walks a pain.

#2) Achilles tendinitis

Your Achilles tendon helps you move, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Repetitive stress can irritate it, causing pain and stiffness at the back of your heel.

Symptoms often appear after increasing your workouts, running hills, or returning to activity too quickly. The area may also feel tender or tight when you first start moving.

#3) Heel bursitis

You have small fluid-filled sacs around your joints and tendons that help reduce friction. When one of these bursae near your heel gets inflamed, pressure from your shoes or movement can make the area sore and swollen.

Heel bursitis most typically causes pain at the back of the heel. Tight footwear, repeated rubbing, or overuse can keep the irritation going.

#4) A stress fracture

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the heel bone caused by repeated impact, like running, rather than one major injury. The pain usually worsens with activity and may continue after you stop moving.

Continuing to walk or exercise on the injury can delay healing and lead to a more severe injury. Dr. Tjoe may use imaging to confirm whether a fracture is present.

#5) Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve near the inside of your ankle becomes compressed. It can lead to burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain that reaches your heel or the bottom of your foot.

Because nerve pain can resemble other foot problems, an accurate diagnosis matters before treatment begins.

When persistent heel pain needs professional care

Heel pain that keeps returning, changes how you walk, or limits your normal activities requires professional attention.

At Tjoe Podiatry, Dr. Tjoe examines your foot, reviews your symptoms, and orders imaging when needed to identify the cause.

Treatment may include:

rest and icing
medication, such as ibuprofen
custom orthotics
temporary immobilization
another therapy suited to your condition

MLS Laser Therapy, a noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support the body's natural healing process. Depending on the cause of your heel pain, MLS Laser Therapy may be recommended as part of your personalized treatment plan.