Heel & Arch Pain

Your feet are more complex than you might imagine. Numerous structures work together to get you from here to there comfortably and safely—your ankles, heels, tarsals, metatarsals, and toes all play a role in keeping you mobile. Your heels and your arches, however, bear most of your body’s weight as you walk, run, and dance.

Although your feet and ankles are designed to handle this impact and pressure (which can be up to 4 times your body weight or more when running!), they are still at risk for injury.

Some of the most common sources of heel and arch pain include:

Plantar fasciitis – If your heels scream in pain first thing in the morning, plantar fasciitis is most likely the culprit. (Though conditions like arthritis and fractures can also be a possibility.) Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes.

Achilles tendinitis – This is commonly caused by overuse of the tendon that runs along the back of the heel. Achilles tendinitis can happen to anyone, though it is more common with individuals who are active in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes of direction.

Bone Spurs – This is the common name on calcium deposits that build up on existing bones and create bumps. While a common source of heel pain, they are no always painful. They can also happen anywhere on the body.

Sever’s disease – This condition affects children and teenagers who are active in sports. Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel.

Foot traumas – Overworked muscles and ligaments can suffer repetitive injuries, stress fractures, and other trauma that can prevent you from moving.

Flat feet – If your feet lay flat—or significantly flat—to the ground, then this abnormal structure is likely the cause of your arch or heel pain.

The bottom line is that heel and arch pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. No matter if your pain is being caused by a torn ligament, injured bone, or inflamed tendon, you should seek medical treatment right away. Ignoring the symptoms or hoping that they will go away with time often makes the situation worse.

Don’t wait to get help! Dr. Melhuish and her team is here to get you back on your feet as quickly and as safely as possible.

The bottom line is that heel and arch pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. No matter if your pain is being caused by a torn ligament, injured bone, or inflamed tendon, you should seek medical treatment right away. Ignoring the symptoms or hoping that they will go away with time often makes the situation worse.

Don’t wait to get help! Dr. Melhuish and her team is here to get you back on your feet as quickly and as safely as possible.