Understanding Chronic Heel Pain
Heel pain can stem from a variety of conditions. In adults, the most common cause is plantar fasciitis. Other musculoskeletal issues, such as heel spur syndrome and stress fractures, may also cause discomfort. Nerve entrapments are significant, yet often underrecognized source of persistent heel pain, and they are frequently overlooked.
At Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center, we take time to understand your symptoms through careful listening a comprehensive evaluation. Our priority is to identify the exact cause of your heel pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that brings you lasting relief.
Submit our contact form or give us a call at (612) 353-9261
Get in Touch
"*" indicates required fields
Common Sites of Chronic Heel Pain
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Plantar Fasciitis
Cause
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a dense connective tissue spanning the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed and undergoes degenerative changes.
Location
Plantar heel, can extend into the arch
Symptoms
Symptoms include morning heel pain that eases with initial steps but may worsen with continued activity.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Heel Spur Syndrome
Cause
Heel spur syndrome occurs when long-term strain on the foot causes muscles and the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel bone resulting in formation of calcium deposits that can form a spur.
Location
Bottom central aspect of the heel.
Symptoms
Symptoms include sharp heel pain that worsens throughout the day and typically occurs with each step.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Calcaneal Stress Fracture
Cause
A calcaneal stress fracture is an overuse injury caused by repetitive and excessive force on the heel bone.
Location
Heel bone.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop gradually, worsen with walking, and cause pain when the heel bone is compressed from side to side.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Cause
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle.
Location
Symptoms are commonly centered around the instep of the heel, and pain may radiate along the plantar arch and into the toes.
Symptoms
Burning, tingling or shooting pain along the inside of the heel and bottom of the foot, often bothersome at night and at rest.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Medial Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment
Cause
Medial calcaneal nerve entrapment is caused by compression or irritation of the medial calcaneal nerve branch, a branch of the tibial nerve that supplies sensation to the inner heel.
Location
Symptoms are commonly centered at the inside of the ankle below the bone prominence (medial malleolus), inside and bottom of the heel.
Symptoms
Burning and tingling heel pain that worsens with prolonged standing and activity.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment
Cause
Baxter’s nerve entrapment is caused by compression or irritation of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, a distal branch of the tibial nerve.
Location
Symptoms are commonly centered at the inside of the heel and arch of the foot, can extend to the outer part of the heel.
Symptoms
Burning and tingling heel pain that worsens with prolonged standing and activity.
What causes chronic heel pain?
There are a few different things that can cause chronic heel pain, including:
- Repetitive Stress and Overuse
- Biomechanical and Structural Issues
- Trauma or Injury
- Underlying Foot Structure
- Abnormal Walking Patterns
- Underlying Medical Conditions
How do you diagnose chronic heel pain?
- Complete Medical History
- Thorough Physical Exam
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, Ultrasound
- Diagnostic injections
Start Feeling Better
Submit our contact form or give us a call at (612) 353-9311 to talk to our dedicated and compassionate team.
Chronic heel pain treatment
Treatment options include physical therapy, bracing of the foot and ankle, injections and advanced podiatric procedures.
Dr. Moore was incredibly patient with me and took the time to evaluate all possible causes of my condition. The results that I have seen since my diagnosis have been amazing. I am pain-free now and am back to being a kid. I highly recommend Dr. Moore!
Ruby
How do you treat chronic heel pain?
Once an accurate diagnosis is established, treatment for chronic heel ranges from conservative approaches to advanced procedures, depending on the underlying condition and the specific needs of each patient.
Conservative Treatments
These are typically the first line of care and aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing:
- Rest & Activity Modifications
- Ice Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Supportive Footwear
- Orthotics
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Advanced Podiatric Procedures
If conservative methods are ineffective, more specialized interventions may be considered:
- Cortisone Injections
- Regenerative Medicine therapy to promote tissue healing
- Surgical Plantar Fascial Release
- Nerve Decompression Surgery
On the Journey With You
Dr. Shari Moore, founder of Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center, has dedicated over 30 years to helping people find relief from foot and ankle pain. She combines her extensive clinical and surgical experience with her skills in advanced peripheral nerve procedures to provide lasting relief and renewed hope for patients struggling with persistent heel and lower extremity pain.
Lower Extremity Advanced Procedures for Nerve Pain
30 Years of Field Experience
Compassionate Approach
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Heel Pain
Chronic heel pain is long-lasting pain or discomfort in the heel that persists for weeks or months. It can feel sharp, aching, or burning, and often worsens with activity or first steps in the morning. At Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic heel pain using non-surgical and advanced treatment options.
The most common cause of chronic heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Other conditions include heel spurs, stress fractures, bursitis, and nerve compression syndromes. Heel pain can also be linked to inflammatory arthritis and bone stress injuries.
Besides the difficulty lifting the foot, common peroneal nerve injury can present with more subtle symptoms which include:
- Numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation on the top of the foot and the outer part of the lower leg.
- Pain in the foot or lower leg
- Restless leg
Heel pain becomes a concern if it lasts more than a couple of weeks, continues to worsen, or interferes with walking and daily activities. Pain that occurs even at rest, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or numbness should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
At Janus, we will start with a detailed physical exam and review your medical history. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to check for bone or soft tissue problems. In some cases, nerve studies or diagnostic injections help pinpoint the cause.
How it Works
1. Reach Out
Fill out our contact form. Our team will assist you in gathering the pertinent medical records prior to your visit.
2. Meet
At your visit, we will take a detailed medical history and perform a comprehensive medical exam.
3. Find Relief
We will work with you to determine if our treatment options may be of benefit to you for your pain symptoms.
A New Beginning Awaits
Contact us to get started!
