The most common cause of heel pain continues to be plantar fasciitis in adults and apophysitis (or Sever’s Disease) in children. With adults it seems to be correlated with an increase in exercise or activities and with children it is common with growth spurts. The two conditions often have similar presentations and can be treated with similar protocols. I recommend having any pain evaluated by a physician as other pathologies can cause heel pain.

They are many different treatment options for heel pain, especially plantar fasciitis. I have now observed different conservative and surgical techniques come in and out of favor. It is important to first get the correct diagnosis and then see what factors are contributing to the pain before implementing treatment. It can be helpful to have and x-ray, an ultrasound or even an MRI before tackling heel pain.

In recent years I have began to approach plantar fasciitis from both a mechanical and biological perspective. I believe foot structure and training can play a large part in the development of heel pain. I also believe once this heel pain starts it often can become chronic and this chronicity is what allows the pain to spiral out of control. Since implementing a protocol that addresses both of these aspects I have seen a huge swing in long term effectiveness. If you are suffering from heel pain for months or even years I can help you fix this once and for all. I know how painful, frustrating and exhausting it can be.

Dr Brandon Nelson

Board Certified Physician and Surgeon