It is well known that the number one cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The most common presenting symptoms if one has plantar fasciitis are pain in the morning and a bruised type sensation on the bottom of the heel. However, there can be many other causes of heel pain and I will discuss a few today. It is important to remember to have your foot evaluated by a physician as this will lead to better outcomes and prevent further damage.

Bursitis, bursitis refers to an inflammation process of a sac of fluid or a bursa. This can be a common cause of heel pain. The presentation of heel bursitis is very similar to plantar fasciitis. One of the best ways to differentiate the two is to have an ultrasound of the heel. Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists keeps an ultrasound on hand for all patients with heel pain. Heel bursitis is usually seen on a patient with a thin fat pad and high arched feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, or another type of nerve entrapment are common for people that have burning in their feet. This condition is very similar to carpal tunnel of the wrist and involves a nerve or nerves being compressed in the foot or ankle. Typically these patients will have numbness or tingling or pain that does not go away. Often this diagnosis will require a nerve conduction study.

If you are suffering from heel pain make an appointment today and we can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online.