Heel pain can interfere with your daily life and make it difficult to get around easily. If you experience daily, persistent heel pain, Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM, FAAFS of Foot Care Specialists, PC is the premier podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist in Quincy, Massachusetts, who provides expert diagnosis and treatment for adults with heel pain. The advanced technology of the MR4™ super pulsed cold laser treatment speeds healing so you can get back to living without daily discomfort. Call either office or schedule a consultation online today.

Heel Pain Q & A

What causes heel pain?

One of the most common causes of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue – the plantar fascia – that extends from your heel to your toes across the bottom of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis is most common for people who have structural problems such as flat feet or high arches. Additionally, wearing unsupportive shoes or spending many hours a day on a hard, flat surface can put strain on the plantar fascia and lead to heel pain and discomfort.

Other causes of heel pain include:

  • Obesity
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Heel spurs
  • Bone infections
  • Arthritis
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal-tunnel syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Cysts
  • Gout

Sprains and strains can also lead to heel discomfort, especially if you injure your Achilles tendon.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, you typically experience:

  • Heel pain
  • Foot pain in the arch of your foot
  • Swelling around your heel
  • Pain or discomfort that’s worse when you first get out of bed
  • Increased discomfort that doesn’t get better on its own

After you walk and stretch your plantar fascia, pain could decrease, but then return after you’ve been sitting for a while, or after spending the day on your feet.

How can I treat my heel pain?

Sometimes stretching and physical therapy, as well as wearing more supportive shoes can relieve heel discomfort. Ice could help relieve some discomfort and elevating your feet after a long day is often beneficial. Dr. Lukoff might also recommend supportive night splints or custom foot orthotics to add more support in your shoes and absorb shock as you walk.

Dr. Lukoff and the caring team at Foot Care Specialists PC also offer the latest technology in relieving heel pain, quickly and effectively, with Multi Radiance Medical’s MR4™ super pulsed cold laser therapy. MR4 laser treatments speed healing without medication or invasive procedures. The super pulsed light energy of the MR4 laser penetrates into the soft tissue in your foot, including the plantar fascia, to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.

This noninvasive treatment promotes healing from within and speeds recovery so you can get back to participating in the activities you enjoy, or simply getting through your day with less discomfort.

To learn more about relieving chronic heel pain or discomfort, call one of the greater Boston-area offices or schedule your appointment online.