Heel Pain Specialist

Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in San Antonio and Kerrville, TX

Heel Pain services offered in San Antonio and Kerrville, TX

Up to 2 million Americans visit a podiatrist about heel pain each year. If you suffer from heel pain and it interferes with your ability to work or do other activities, seek treatment. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, board-certified podiatrist Shay Fish, DPM, and the team provide complete care for heel pain, including physical therapy, custom orthotics, and pain medication. To make an appointment, call the office in Kerrville or San Antonio, Texas, or book online today.

Heel Pain Q&A

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is discomfort or aching that occurs at the back of the foot, just beneath your ankle. Everyone experiences heel pain occasionally, but if your symptoms persist, worsen, or keep you from activities you love, it’s vital to get help.

What causes heel pain?

At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, Dr. Fish and the team treat various causes of heel pain, including:

Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Bone spurs
Sever’s disease (a condition that affects children and teens)
Bursitis
Stress fractures
Bone bruise

You might also experience heel pain due to inflamed tendons.

Who is at risk of experiencing heel pain?

Several factors may increase your risk of heel pain, including:

Being overweight
Having a foot abnormality, like flat feet or high arches
Leading a physically active lifestyle
Spending lots of time standing

You’re also more likely to experience heel pain if you wear shoes that don’t provide adequate heel or arch support.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, Dr. Fish, and the team diagnose heel pain during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse during certain activities, and if they respond to at-home treatment, like anti-inflammatory medication.

Next, your provider examines your heel, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling. They gently press on your heel to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your feet.

How is heel pain treated?

Your treatment depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your daily routine. Usually, Dr. Fish and the team recommend conservative treatments, including:

Corticosteroid injections
Custom orthotics
Anti-inflammatory medication
Physical therapy
Stretching exercises
Taping

If your symptoms persist or worsen, surgery might be an option, but only as a last resort.

How long does it take to recover from heel pain?

The time it takes to recover from heel pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Most people see an improvement within a week or two, but it may take a month or longer.*

To explore the treatment options for heel pain, make an appointment at South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

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