February 7, 2026
Have you ever stepped out of bed in the morning and felt a sharp pain shoot through your heel? That first step can feel like walking on needles. Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, and yet, most people ignore it until it becomes unbearable. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone who stands for long hours, heel pain can disrupt your day-to-day life.
At Epic Foot and Ankle, we’ve seen thousands of patients walk in with chronic heel pain-and walk out with lasting relief. Let’s break down what causes heel pain, how to identify it early, and which treatments actually work.
Understanding Heel Pain: What’s Really Happening?
Your heel absorbs the shock of every step you take. Over time, constant pressure, poor footwear, or injury can strain the tissues, bones, and tendons that make up the heel.
The result? Pain that can be dull and achy, sharp and stabbing, or even burning. The most common causes we see at Epic Foot and Ankle include:
1. Plantar Fasciitis: The Most Common Cause
If your heel hurts the moment you wake up, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. It happens when the plantar fascia-the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes-gets inflamed.
Symptoms:
- Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after rest
- Pain after standing or walking for long hours
- Swelling or tenderness under the foot
Treatments That Work:
- Custom Orthotics: Personalized shoe inserts to support your arches
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches to reduce tension in the fascia
- Shockwave Therapy: A modern, non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing
- Orthobiologics: Regenerative therapy that promotes natural tissue repair
At Epic Foot and Ankle, our specialists often combine these treatments to ensure faster, more effective results.
2. Achilles Tendonitis: When the Back of Your Heel Hurts
Do you feel pain or stiffness at the back of your heel, especially after workouts? That could be Achilles Tendonitis-an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling at the back of the heel
- Stiffness in the morning
- Pain that worsens with activity
Treatments That Work:
- Rest and Ice Therapy: Reduces inflammation and pain
- Physical Therapy: Strengthens and stretches the tendon
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Promotes healing naturally
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: For severe or chronic cases
Epic Foot and Ankle offers advanced tendon repair options designed for athletes and active individuals looking for quick recovery without compromising performance.
3. Heel Spurs: Tiny Growths, Big Pain
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up under your heel bone, often due to long-term stress or inflammation. They’re commonly linked with plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain under the heel during movement
- Tenderness and mild swelling
- Pain that worsens after long periods of standing
Treatments That Work:
- Orthotic Inserts: Cushioning and arch support to reduce strain
- Physical Therapy: Helps stretch and strengthen the foot muscles
- Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation for faster relief
- Surgical Removal: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail
Our heel pain specialists at Epic Foot and Ankle use diagnostic imaging to confirm heel spurs and create a personalized plan to get you back on your feet.
4. Stress Fractures: The Hidden Culprit
For athletes and runners, stress fractures in the heel bone can be a silent cause of pain. These tiny cracks develop from repetitive stress rather than a single injury.
Symptoms:
- Gradual onset of pain that worsens with activity
- Swelling or tenderness around the heel
- Pain that improves with rest
Treatments That Work:
- Protective Footwear or Boots: To limit pressure on the heel
- Activity Modification: Switching to low-impact exercises
- Bone Stimulators: Promote faster bone healing
- Surgical Intervention: In rare, severe cases
At Epic Foot and Ankle, we specialize in sports medicine and reconstructive surgeries that restore both mobility and confidence.
5. Nerve-Related Heel Pain: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Sometimes heel pain isn’t from inflammation or injury, but from nerve compression. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is squeezed as it travels through the ankle.
Symptoms:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in the heel
- Pain that radiates into the arch or toes
- Discomfort that worsens at night
Treatments That Work:
- Nerve Decompression Treatments
- Custom Braces or Orthotics
- Minimally Invasive Nerve Surgery
Our foot and ankle surgeons are trained in nerve-related heel pain treatments that offer both immediate and long-term relief.
When to See a Heel Pain Specialist
If heel pain lasts more than a few days, or it keeps coming back, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis can prevent chronic damage. Look for these red flags:
- Persistent morning pain
- Swelling that doesn’t subside
- Pain that affects your gait or balance
At Epic Foot and Ankle, we provide comprehensive heel pain assessments, including physical exams, imaging, and gait analysis, to find the exact cause of your discomfort.
Walk Pain-Free with Epic Foot and Ankle
Heel pain can affect every part of your life-from your mood to your mobility. But the good news is, you don’t have to live with it. The specialists at Epic Foot and Ankle are here to help you find relief that actually lasts.
Whether it’s plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or nerve pain, we’ll design a treatment plan that fits your needs and gets you back to walking, running, and living pain-free.
Take your first step toward relief today.
Schedule your consultation with Epic Foot and Ankle-and say goodbye to heel pain for good.
Latest Post
January 29, 2026
January 23, 2026
January 17, 2026
