Heel Pain Treatment in Alexandria, VA
Millions of adults live with heel pain, and it can be truly debilitating. At Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA , our podiatry specialists find the true source of your heel pain and offer cutting-edge treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and laser therapy to get you moving comfortably again.
Book OnlineWhat Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain can affect a large part of your foot, from the back of the heel to the sides and bottom, up into the arch. Because the location varies, so do the causes. Common causes include:
- Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament)
- Achilles tendonitis (inflamed Achilles tendon)
- Heel spurs
- Stress fractures caused by overuse or trauma
- Arthritis and joint damage
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome (a pinched posterior tibial nerve)
- Haglund’s deformity (an enlarged bump on the back of the heel bone)
- Fat pad atrophy (loss of natural heel cushioning)
Heel pain may also stem from structural problems like flat feet or fallen arches. Our specialists are heel pain experts who can quickly identify and resolve your pain.
When Should I See a Doctor for Heel Pain?
If heel pain makes it hard to walk or forces you to change your activities, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Occasional heel pain almost always worsens if the root cause isn’t identified and treated. Seeing a podiatrist early helps you avoid chronic pain and return to your regular activities faster.
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
Our doctors take a complete medical history, discuss your routine and footwear, and perform a careful foot and ankle exam. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other imaging may be used to evaluate bones, nerves, ligaments, and tendons.
Heel Pain Treatment Options
Landmark Foot & Ankle Center offers a full range of heel pain treatments, including:
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to stimulate natural healing
- Laser therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Custom orthotics and supportive footwear
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Night splints
- Liposana Fatpad Restoration for heel fat pad loss
- Nano PRP Jelly regenerative injections
If severe heel pain doesn’t respond to initial treatment, surgery may be needed. Our surgeons, Dr. Philip P. Garrett and Dr. Victoria Nolte, can repair, realign, and restore tissue and bone, using minimally invasive techniques with the fewest and smallest incisions possible for the best outcomes and quickest return to normal. Active patients can also benefit from our sports medicine care. Learn more about other conditions we treat.
Heel Pain FAQs
What is the most common cause of heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel, while Achilles tendonitis commonly causes pain at the back of the heel.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
See a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a week or two, makes it hard to walk, or forces you to change your activities.
What is shockwave therapy for heel pain?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic energy pulses to the painful area, stimulating the body to repair damaged tissue without surgery.
Can heel spurs cause pain?
Heel spurs often occur with plantar fasciitis. The inflamed tissue, rather than the spur itself, is usually the source of pain and responds well to conservative treatment.
Do I need X-rays for heel pain?
Not always. Your podiatrist may order X-rays or other imaging to rule out fractures, spurs, arthritis, or other causes.
Can losing heel cushioning cause pain?
Yes. Fat pad atrophy reduces natural shock absorption. Liposana Fatpad Restoration can restore cushioning for qualified patients.
Will I need surgery for heel pain?
Most patients improve with conservative care. Minimally invasive surgery is reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Heels
Get to the root of your heel pain. Call (703) 370-2313 or request an appointment online with Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA .
