--- title: "Heel Pain" id: "242" type: "page" slug: "heel-pain" published_at: "2023-09-25T22:35:55+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-31T11:16:01+00:00" url: "https://podeastside.com/services/heel-pain" markdown_url: "https://podeastside.com/services/heel-pain.md" excerpt: "Heel Pain Heel Pain Specialists Heel pain affects more than 2 million Americans each year, but what matters most is how it affects you. Whether it’s keeping you from your morning run, making workdays unbearable, or stopping you from enjoying..." --- # Heel Pain ## Heel Pain Specialists Heel pain affects more than 2 million Americans each year, but what matters most is how it affects you. Whether it’s keeping you from your morning run, making workdays unbearable, or stopping you from enjoying time with family, persistent heel pain can hold you back from the life you want to live. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC, our board-certified podiatrists and surgeons understand the frustration of heel pain, and we’re here to help you get back on your feet with treatments that work. ### Heel Pain Q & A #### What is Heel Pain? Heel pain isn’t just “soreness.” It’s a condition that can make every step feel sharp and limiting. Most often, it’s caused by stress on the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that supports your arch. Repeated activity like walking, running, or standing can create tiny tears in this tissue, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain. #### What are the symptoms of Heel Pain? If you wake up dreading that first step out of bed or notice pain that flares after a workout, you’re not alone. Many people with heel pain describe it as a sharp, stabbing feeling in the bottom of the foot. What’s important is knowing that you don’t have to live with it. #### Who is at risk of developing Heel Pain? Heel pain can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable. If you spend long hours on your feet, carry extra weight, have flat feet or high arches, or participate in sports like running and basketball, you may be at higher risk. Teachers, construction workers, and factory workers often struggle with heel pain simply because their jobs demand so much standing and movement. - Being middle-aged or older - Being overweight - Having flatfeet - Having a high arch - Having an abnormal gait You’re also more likely to experience Heel Pain if you work a job that requires you to stay on your feet most of the day. Factory workers, construction workers, and teachers are especially at risk. #### How is Heel Pain diagnosed? Diagnosis starts with listening to your story. We’ll ask about your symptoms, your lifestyle, and when pain strikes. A physical exam helps us pinpoint tenderness, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI (if needed) give us a clear picture of your foot. Our goal? To find the true cause so you can get lasting relief. #### How is Heel Pain treated? Most patients find relief with simple, non-invasive options like rest, stretching, or supportive orthotics. For more persistent pain, advanced therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can speed healing naturally. Surgery is only considered when other methods don’t work and even then, our focus is on restoring your mobility with the least disruption possible. No matter where you are in your journey, you’ll have a clear plan to get back to moving comfortably again. Heel pain doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care, you can walk, run, and stand without constant discomfort. Take the first step toward relief today—schedule your appointment with Eastside Podiatry PLLC and reclaim the freedom to move with confidence. ## Frequently Asked Questions. ### When is Achilles tendon surgery necessary? **Surgery is typically recommended for:** - – Complete or severe tendon ruptures - – Chronic tendinopathy not responding to conservative care - – Athletes or active individuals needing faster recovery - – Recurrent tendon injuries ### How is the surgery performed? The surgeon makes a small incision to access the tendon. Depending on the injury, the tendon is either stitched back together or replaced using a graft from another tendon in your body. Minimally invasive techniques may be used to reduce recovery time. ### How long is the recovery after Achilles tendon surgery? **Recovery typically takes 6 to 9 months, including:** - – 2–6 weeks in a cast or boot - – Physical therapy starting after immobilization - – Gradual return to walking, then sports or high-impact activities ### What happens if a torn Achilles tendon is left untreated? Without treatment, a torn tendon may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Delayed treatment can also increase the risk of long-term disability. ### Who is at risk of developing heel pain? People who are middle-aged, overweight, have flat feet or high arches, or spend long hours standing or walking are more prone. Athletes and workers in physically demanding jobs are also at higher risk. ### What treatment options are available? Initial treatments include rest, ice, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Eastside Podiatry also offers advanced options like custom orthotics, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. ### When is surgery necessary? Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail. It may involve releasing the plantar fascia to relieve tension and pain, though it’s typically a last resort. ### Can heel pain be prevented? Yes—wear supportive shoes, maintain a healthy weight, stretch regularly, and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. ### When is Achilles tendon surgery necessary? **Surgery is typically recommended for:** - – Complete or severe tendon ruptures - – Chronic tendinopathy not responding to conservative care - – Athletes or active individuals needing faster recovery - – Recurrent tendon injuries ### How is the surgery performed? The surgeon makes a small incision to access the tendon. Depending on the injury, the tendon is either stitched back together or replaced using a graft from another tendon in your body. Minimally invasive techniques may be used to reduce recovery time. ### How long is the recovery after Achilles tendon surgery? **Recovery typically takes 6 to 9 months, including:** - – 2–6 weeks in a cast or boot - – Physical therapy starting after immobilization - – Gradual return to walking, then sports or high-impact activities ### What happens if a torn Achilles tendon is left untreated? Without treatment, a torn tendon may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Delayed treatment can also increase the risk of long-term disability.