The key to eliminating heel pain is receiving an accurate diagnosis of the root cause of the problem. Dr. Eric Arp from Arp Foot & Ankle Clinic is a podiatrist that solely treats issues involving issues of the foot and ankle and will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis of what is causing your pain than general practitioners. He will recommend a treatment strategy that has the highest chance of success in eliminating your heel pain in both Mountain Home and Harrison clinic locations.

What Are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

Minor heel pain that doesn't require involved care may go away by itself. But when heel pain doesn't resolve after a few days of rest, you need to consult a podiatrist to determine exactly what is causing the pain. 

Common causes of heel pain are:

• Plantar fasciitis - inflammation of the plantar fascia (the thick band of connective tissue that runs along and supports the arch of the foot).
• Trauma to the foot and/or ankle from an accident
• Bone spurs
• Achilles tendonitis - an overuse injury to the tendon that connects the heel bone to the calf muscles.
• Arthritis
• Bursitis - inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel.

Less common causes of heel pain are: 

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Like the more well-known carpal tunnel in the wrist, a 'tunnel' also exists in your ankle that envelops nerves traveling to the foot. When the space in this tunnel decreases, which can happen for a variety of reasons, pinched nerves, and heel pain can result.
• Sever's disease: Commonly seen in children and teenagers, Sever's disease happens when the heel cone grows faster than other structures in the lower leg, causing them to overwork and cause heel pain. 
• Haglund's syndrome: The development of a bony prominence on the back of the heel. 
• Osteomyelitis: Inflammation or infection of the heel bone
• Systemic conditions
• Heel pad bruising or atrophy
• Bony abnormalities

What Treatment Options Are Available for Heel Pain?

Various treatment options exist for the type of heel pain that you have, which may be completely different than for another person. Treatment is unique to you.

We hope that non-surgical conservative treatment options will be enough to eliminate your pain. But severe cases may need more involved care. Treatment options for your heel pain in Harrison, AR are:

• Avoidance of aggravating activities
• NSAIDs and painkillers
• Cortisone injections
• Custom orthotics
• Preventative diabetic foot care
• A course of physical therapy to teach you targeted strengthening and stretching exercises for structures surrounding and supporting the heel.

When conservative measures fail to relieve the pain, you may need surgery. For severe cases involving trauma or other deformities to the heel, surgery will likely be recommended as a first option.

Contact Us

Treat your heel pain in Mountain Home and Harrison, AR. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Arp from ARP Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling our Mountain Home office at (870) 425-7363 or our Harrison location at (870) 365-3668.