When Should You Be Concerned About Heel Pain?

What’s Causing Your Heel Pain and When to See a Podiatrist for Help

Do you wake up in the morning ready to take on the day, only to be stopped in your tracks by heel pain? While your feet work hard every day, whether walking, running, or just getting around, heel pain can seriously impact your daily routine. If you’ve been dealing with persistent or worsening heel pain, it might be time to consult Dr. Suzanne Jenkins at Hill County Foot & Ankle in Hillsboro, TX. Here's what you need to know about heel pain and when to seek professional care.

What Causes Heel Pain?

If you’ve recently increased your activity levels or been on your feet more than usual, you may have noticed discomfort or pain in your heels. While this can happen, it’s important to remember that heel pain is not normal and often results from inflammation caused by overuse. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, when the tissue on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Another common cause is Achilles tendonitis, which affects the back of the heel and is often the result of strain on the Achilles tendon.

Both conditions should be evaluated by Dr. Jenkins, who can help determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention for Heel Pain?

Mild heel pain may improve with rest and at-home care, such as avoiding high-impact activities, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, you should seek immediate medical attention from Dr. Jenkins at Hill County Foot & Ankle if:

• You can’t walk comfortably, and your heel pain impacts your daily activities.
• You can’t put weight on the foot.
• The pain persists even at rest.
• There is significant swelling or pain.
• You experience numbness, tingling, or discoloration of the heel.
• Your heel pain lasts more than three to four days without improvement from at-home care.
• You notice redness, warmth, or other signs of infection around the heel.

Chronic or severe heel pain might require more advanced treatments, such as custom orthotics, steroid injections, or even shockwave therapy, to encourage faster healing and relief.

Get Expert Care for Your Heel Pain

Don’t let heel pain keep you from enjoying life. If you’ve been struggling with persistent heel discomfort, it’s time to seek help from Dr. Suzanne Jenkins and the team at Hill County Foot & Ankle in Hillsboro, TX. We’re here to create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

Call us at (254) 582-9300 to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward relief today.