This is not uncommon. We have patients who comes in with heel pain that is quite a bit more proximal than normal.  Some people with heel pain (plantar fasciitis) have a pattern of pain around the parameter of the bottom of the heel almost in a horseshoe. Other people have pain that involves both the bottom of the heel and the back of the heel near the insertion of the Achilles tendon. The good news is that treatment for typical plantar fasciitis often helps Achilles tendon problems also. The other good thing is that shockwave therapy (EPAT) can also address both Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis during the same treatment session. 

As I mentioned some of the treatments such as night splints, prescription orthotics, stretching and braces will help both problems. Also KT tape for Achilles tendinitis is often useful for plantar fasciitis as well. Diagnostically this presentation can be a challenge. But again ultrasound imaging will often show inflammation in the classic plantar fasciitis location which is near the attachment at the bottom of the heel bone. In yet despite this there will be this somewhat atypical pattern of pain in the parameter of the heel in a horseshoe.

If you have heel pain or pain involving the Achilles, or both please come see myself, Dr. Timothy Young or my partner Dr. Brandon Nelson. Give us a call at 425-880-9552 or make an appointment online.