Heel pain is a common issue that can result from various conditions affecting the foot. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the ligament running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing sharp pain, especially in the morning. A heel spur, often associated with plantar fasciitis, is a bony growth that develops on the heel bone, leading to additional discomfort. Bursitis, the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near the heel, can also contribute to pain. Another condition known as pump bump results from the irritation of the heel caused by wearing tight shoes, particularly high heels. Additionally, Achilles tendonitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can cause pain at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver of Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Feet do a lot of work, but they rarely get the focused movement they need to stay resilient. Instead of traditional exercises, try creative approaches that challenge strength, coordination, and flexibility in everyday activities. One simple exercise is the towel scrunch challenge where you place a towel on the floor and use only your toes to scrunch it up. This builds foot muscles, improves dexterity, and enhances grip strength for better balance. Another great activity is the heel-to-toe obstacle walk. This involves setting up small objects like books or pillows and carefully stepping over them, rolling from heel to toe to encourage stability, control, and coordination in a way that mimics real-life movement. For sensory stimulation, try barefoot texture exploration by walking on different surfaces like grass, sand, or a textured mat to awaken nerve endings and improve foot awareness. If you have persistent discomfort or weakness in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that often develop on the underside of the heel bone due to prolonged stress on the foot’s soft tissues. This condition often results from repetitive activities like walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces. Wearing unsupportive footwear, carrying excess body weight, and having an abnormal walking pattern can increase the likelihood of forming. While some people experience no discomfort from a heel spur, others may feel sharp pain, inflammation, and swelling, particularly when standing or walking. The discomfort may extend to the arch of the foot, and in some cases, the affected area may feel warm. A podiatrist can conduct imaging tests to determine whether a heel spur is present. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear modifications, or in some cases, surgery to remove the spur if pain persists. If you have heel pain that may be related to bone spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.