Heel Pain Specialist
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Leonard Greenwald, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in San Jose, CA
If you live with heel pain, you're not alone. One in 10 people need treatment for plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, and it affects 2 million Americans each year. Podiatrist Leonard Greenwald, DPM, offers a range of cutting-edge heel pain treatments at his practice in San Jose, California. For expert podiatric care, call or request an appointment online today.
Heel Pain Q&A
Why do I have heel pain?
Did you know that you place 60 tons of stress on each foot for every mile you walk? It's no wonder, then, that heel pain is an extremely common complaint — especially among people who push their heel activity to its limits.
Many people ignore heel pain, expecting it to get better on its own. But as with any injury, if you don't allow it to rest, the injury will get worse.
In some cases, heel pain doesn't heal itself, and unless you seek professional care, it could become a serious problem.
Dr. Greenwald assesses your heel pain to identify its cause. He uses his findings to create a comprehensive treatment plan for effective pain relief.
What causes heel pain?
There are two distinct types of heel pain: pain beneath the heel and pain behind the heel. Pain beneath the heel typically occurs when you have bruising or inflammation to the tissue on the sole of your foot. Causes include:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by too much running or jumping.
Bruising
The bottom of your foot is delicate. If you tread on something hard, like a stone, you can bruise your foot's sole. You may have a bruise even if there's no discoloration.
Heel spurs
Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to heel spurs. These are calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone.
Pain that radiates from the area behind or above the heel typically relates to the Achilles tendon. This pain, common among athletes, is caused by overusing the tendon — usually through running, jumping, or dancing. Too-tight shoes can also cause pain behind the heel by placing constant pressure on the skin and tendon.
Should I see a doctor for my heel pain?
Heel pain will often go away after several days of rest. However, you should make an appointment with Dr. Greenwald if you experience the following:
- Pain that persists after two weeks
- Severe, sudden pain
- Swelling or redness in the heel
- Pain so severe it prevents you from walking
Don't ignore heel pain. If you're unsure whether or not your pain will heal itself, it's better to err on the side of caution and schedule a consultation at Leonard Greenwald, DPM. Call the office or book online today.