Heel Pain Specialist

TAMPA BAY FOOT AND ANKLE Eric J Roberts, DPM Our Services Heel Pain
Eric J Roberts, DPM - - Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Medicine and Surgery

TAMPA BAY FOOT AND ANKLE

Eric J Roberts, DPM

Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Medicine and Surgery & Wound Care Specialist located in St. Petersburg, FL

Heel pain is associated with limited mobility, falls, and a poor quality of life. If you’re looking for a safe and effective treatment for heel pain, Eric Roberts, DPM, FACFAS, AACFAOM, at Tampa Bay Foot and Ankle offer in-office diagnostics and individualized, conservative treatment. To speak with a podiatrist about your heel pain, call the office in St. Petersburg, Florida, or request an appointment online today.

Heel Pain Q&A

What causes heel pain?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Other conditions that can lead to heel pain include:

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles rupture
  • Heel spur
  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Fractures
  • Deformities

The heel is the largest bone in your foot and is surrounded by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Injury or disease affecting any of these can result in heel pain.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Your heel bone is connected to your toes by a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a ligament, stretches along the bottom of your foot and absorbs shock as you walk.

Too much stress or tension on the plantar fascia can result in repeated stretching, tearing, and, eventually, plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue.

Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and surrounding structures can result in plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis commonly affects runners and dancers. Excess body weight can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can limit your daily activities and change the way you walk.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

Tampa Bay Foot and Ankle specializes in patient-centered foot care. The team takes the time to understand your specific condition and plan the most effective treatment.

During your appointment, Dr. Roberts conducts a physical exam and gets in-office X-rays and ultrasounds when needed.

You should be prepared to discuss your symptoms as well as your routine physical activity and any injuries you’ve suffered. Dr. Robers uses your evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and the best treatment for you.

How is heel pain treated?

Depending on your condition, your treatment plan can include:

  • Orthotics (shoe inserts)
  • Daily stretching and icing
  • Footwear changes
  • RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
  • Night splints
  • Injections
  • Short-term immobilization in severe case
  • Shockwave therapy

If your heel pain is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, Dr. Roberts could recommend surgery. Tampa Bay Foot and Ankle offers a number of safe and effective surgical procedures using the latest technologies such as endoscopic (camera) techniques.

To find out which treatment is right for your heel pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.

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