Heel Pain Help in Long Island | Valley Stream Podiatry

4 Common Causes of Heel Pain and When to See a Podiatrist

Heel pain is one of the most frequent reasons patients visit Valley Stream Podiatry. Your heels support your entire body weight with every step, which means they take on tremendous pressure throughout the day. When that pressure builds or the foot is not supported correctly, discomfort can develop that affects work, exercise, and daily movement.

While heel pain has many potential causes, four conditions appear most often in podiatry clinics throughout Long Island. These include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon disorders, heel spurs, and bursitis. Understanding these conditions can help you identify early warning signs and know when to seek professional care.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis remains the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. When it becomes irritated or overstretched, small tears can develop and lead to inflammation.

A key symptom is sharp heel pain during your first steps in the morning or after sitting. While the discomfort may improve as you begin moving, it often returns with extended walking or standing.

Early treatment is important. Effective options include stretching, custom orthotics, supportive footwear, activity changes, and laser therapy. Without proper care, plantar fasciitis can persist for a long time and limit daily activity.

2. Achilles Tendon Disorders

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone and is essential for walking, running, and climbing stairs. Disorders such as Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendinopathy often begin with stiffness, swelling, or a dull ache above the heel.

Symptoms may start gradually, especially after increased activity, but can worsen over time. In more serious cases, a sudden pop or sharp pain may indicate a tendon tear, which requires immediate evaluation.

Treatments may include stretching programs, ultrasound evaluation, advance healing therapies, activity modification, and guidance on proper footwear. Addressing the problem early helps prevent further damage.

3. Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone. Although not always painful on its own, it often appears in people who have chronic plantar fasciitis. When surrounding soft tissues become inflamed, a sharp or stabbing pain may develop, especially when walking or standing.

Heel spurs are usually detected through X rays. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving foot support using orthotics, padding, stretching, and therapeutic interventions.

4. Heel Bursitis

A bursa is a small fluid filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissue. When the bursa in the heel becomes irritated, bursitis can develop. This condition causes aching, swelling, and tenderness around the back or bottom of the heel.

Bursitis may result from overuse, hard surfaces, tight calf muscles, or rigid shoes. Care typically includes reducing inflammation, improving foot mechanics, adjusting activities, and strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Expert Heel Pain Care in Valley Stream

At Valley Stream Podiatry, our skilled podiatrists Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Michael Barkin, and Dr. Sajni Shah specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of heel pain. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, early evaluation leads to faster and more complete relief.

We are conveniently located in Valley Stream, NY. Call us at . Call (516) 825-3860 or schedule your appointment online today.