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What Causes Pain in the Back of the Heel?

The ankles and feet are some of the most complex parts of the human body, with more joints and bones than most other places. We rely on our feet all day, every day, to help us get around and navigate our world more easily. So, when something goes wrong, it’s very easy to notice.

Jamfeet is your premier resource for a podiatrist in Los Angeles, and our friendly staff members want to enlighten you about the different ways you can experience pain. When it comes to the back of the heel, there are some mysterious hurts that sometimes just won’t go away. Here’s what those pains are, and how to deal with them.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the scientific term for heel pain, especially surrounding the Achilles tendon. This area can feel pain on the inside or outside, or on the top, bottom, or sides of the foot.

In terms of pain levels, they can range anywhere from slightly annoying to severely painful. Even if you are only experiencing a mild discomfort, it’s important to seek a podiatrist in Los Angeles right away, as most of the time, these pains don’t go away on their own.

Discovering the cause of heel pain can sometimes be complex, as there are many reasons why this pain can occur. Let’s explore these options together.

Causes of Heel Pain

Some of the more common causes of pain in the back of the heel include:

  • The shape of your arches. Some people are born with arches that are too high or low, which can cause pain as you age.
  • Heel inflammation. Wearing the wrong kind of footwear or landing too hard on the back of your heel can cause fluid buildup, increasing pain and discomfort. This pain usually worsens throughout the day.
  • Achilles tendonitis. A chronic condition in the Achilles heel that can cause degeneration, causing pain as the tendon progressively goes away.
  • Bone bruises. If you’ve suffered a traumatic injury, your bones may end up bruised, and further medical attention is required.
  • Bad posture. You may not think that bad posture can affect your feet, but everything can suffer when the proper posture isn’t exhibited.
  • Soft tissue. The mass of your tissue can weaken over time, causing pain and discomfort every time you try to move your feet.

These are just a few of the many reasons why your foot pain may appear. If you’re dealing with a pain that won’t go away, and you are exhibiting symptoms that are affecting your daily life and comfort, you need to get in touch with a foot specialist right away.

Treatment Options

There are successful treatment options that can work to reduce and eliminate your foot pain within a few months. Some doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, which can reduce any swelling you may be experiencing.

You can also invest in athletic tape or assistive devices to help offer firmer support for your feet when movement is sensitive.

As a last resort, there are options for surgical treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, which are used in more severe cases. Surgery options are also very successful and can eliminate the pain or discomfort permanently.

Reach Out to Us ASAP!

At Jamfeet, we offer a variety of both conservative and advanced foot treatment options to best help you recover on your time. Whether your pain is in the heel, the ankle, or the top of the foot, we can help to diagnose and treat your condition. When you’re stuck in a jam, your podiatrist in Los Angeles can offer the best fix. For more information about foot pain and treatment options, reach out to us at any time. You can contact us online, or give us a call at (310) 579-2080. Don’t wait until it’s too late!