Heel Pain Key Messages

• Heel pain, if detected early, can be treated with conservative treatment options. However, typically the longer you have untreated heel pain, the more difficult it is to successfully treat.

• Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain. It

is often successfully treated with options such as custom orthotics, injections, prescription medications, physical therapy and immobilization.

• According to a recent survey from the American Podiatric

Medical Association, heel pain is the number one foot ailment Americans have experienced the most.

• Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of

heel pain, the condition can often be misdiagnosed. A podiatric physician can determine if your heel pain may be due to other causes including nerve or tendon problems.

• Plantar fasciitis is often confused with heel spurs. Heel

spurs however, generally do not cause heel pain on their own.

• When wearing uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes, 45 percent

of Americans said they experienced heel pain.

• There are steps you can take to avoid heel pain, including wearing shoes that fit well, wearing the proper shoes for each activity, not wearing shoes with excessive or unevenly worn heels or soles and preparing properly before exercising.

• Nearly 40 percent of Americans revealed foot pain has

inhibited them from performing life’s daily activities. Foot pain is never normal. If you experience foot pain, see an APMA podiatric physician.

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