Heel pain is a common issue many people face, and one of the frequent culprits is plantar fasciitis. However, what if your heel pain stems from something beyond that? Recognizing the difference can lead to the right treatment and quicker relief. In this article, we’ll explore how to discern if your heel pain is merely plantar fasciitis or something more.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This tissue connects your heel bone to your toes, and when it’s strained, it can cause sharp pain—especially when you first get out of bed in the morning. The pain usually centers at the bottom of the heel and tends to ease as you move around.

Plantar fasciitis is common among runners, those who stand for extended periods, and individuals with flat feet or high arches. While this condition is painful, it is often manageable with conservative treatments like stretching, orthotics, and rest.

However, not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. If your pain doesn’t seem to follow the typical pattern or if treatments aren’t working, it may be time to consider other causes.

If your heel pain isn’t responding to plantar fasciitis treatments or you have symptoms that don’t match the usual signs, another underlying issue might be present. Here are some other conditions that could be causing your discomfort:

Plantar fasciosis is a condition involving degenerative wear and tear of the plantar fascia rather than inflammation. This chronic condition can occur after prolonged plantar fasciitis. Unlike the sharp pain of plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciosis can cause a dull ache in the heel, which may worsen with time.

Treatment for plantar fasciosis may involve more advanced therapies, such as physical therapy, shockwave therapy, or even platelet-rich plasma injections to promote healing.

Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Pain from Achilles tendonitis typically affects the back of the heel rather than the bottom and tends to worsen after physical activity. There may also be swelling, stiffness, or a limited range of motion in your ankle.

This condition is common in athletes who engage in activities involving running or jumping. While rest and stretching can sometimes help, severe cases may require more advanced treatments like physical therapy.

Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones and tendons in your heel become inflamed. Heel bursitis often causes tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel, which can be confused with plantar fasciitis pain. However, bursitis pain typically worsens when wearing tight shoes or after prolonged standing, and the heel may feel warm or swollen.

Unlike plantar fasciitis, bursitis can result from a direct injury to the heel, such as from repetitive strain or wearing poorly fitted shoes.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may require different treatment options, such as nerve decompression or specific orthotics to relieve the pressure.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition caused by the compression of the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, located near the inner ankle. This can result in heel pain, burning, and tingling sensations that may extend up into the ankle or even the toes. If you experience heel pain alongside numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation, tarsal tunnel syndrome could be the cause.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may require different treatment options, such as nerve decompression or specific orthotics to relieve the pressure.

Stress fractures of the heel bone (calcaneus) are small cracks resulting from overuse or repetitive force, often from activities like running or jumping. Unlike plantar fasciitis, where the pain is often sharp and localized to the bottom of the heel, a stress fracture may cause widespread pain around the entire heel. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest, but stress fractures can also cause swelling and tenderness.

This is a more serious condition that requires rest, immobilization, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to heal properly.

If your heel pain is persistent, getting worse, or doesn’t match the typical signs of plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to seek professional care. A podiatrist like Dr. Kristin Titko at The Center for Foot Care can evaluate your symptoms and pinpoint the exact cause of your heel pain. Early diagnosis means more effective treatment and a quicker return to pain-free living.

Here are some signs that it’s time to see a specialist:

• Your heel pain doesn’t improve after several weeks of home treatments.
• The pain is severe, making it hard to walk or bear weight on your foot.
• You have swelling, redness, or warmth around your heel.
• There’s numbness or tingling along with the pain.
• You’ve recently had an injury or trauma to the heel.

Dr. Titko and her team offer comprehensive care for all types of heel pain. Whether it’s custom orthotics, advanced treatments like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, or laser therapy, they’ll work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. PRP and laser therapy allow for faster healing, quicker pain relief, and less recovery time.

At The Center for Foot Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and heel conditions. Dr. Kristin Titko brings over 20 years of experience in helping patients get back on their feet pain-free.

We start with a thorough examination to determine the root cause of your pain, using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like ultrasound or X-rays. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend treatments such as:

• Custom Orthotics: These specially designed shoe inserts provide support and correct foot alignment to reduce strain on the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon.
• PRP and Laser Therapy: These non-invasive treatments help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing for conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. They promote faster recovery with less downtime, so you can resume your activities sooner.

No matter the cause of your heel pain, our goal is to provide you with effective, compassionate care that gets you back to doing what you love.

Heel pain can be incredibly frustrating and interrupt your daily routine, but you don’t have to endure it indefinitely. While plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of heel discomfort, remember that other conditions might lead to similar pain. If your heel pain persists or doesn’t improve with basic treatments, it’s time to consult a specialist.

At The Center for Foot Care, Dr. Kristin Titko and her team are committed to helping you achieve relief, regardless of the underlying cause. With customized treatment plans and cutting-edge technology, we’ll ensure you can walk confidently into a pain-free future. Don’t delay—schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward healthier, happier feet.

For more information on our services or to book a consultation with Dr. Kristin Titko, visit The Center for Foot Care or call us at our Liberty Township or Mt Healthy offices.