What are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a problem many people encounter at some point in their lives. This may be caused by a loss of natural padding that can thin or wear away over time.

Loss of padding on the heel can be caused by age, obesity, or wearing shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable. If you have heel pain, it's important to seek treatment from a trained podiatrist in New York City, NY, so you can find relief.

Any kind of foot pain can be extremely debilitating. Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine may recommend solutions like custom orthotics or an advanced treatment called Stiletto RX®: Pillows For Your Feet® to provide much-needed support. Read below or call to learn the most common causes of heel pain and how a foot clinic like Millennium Podiatry can help.

What does heel pain feel like?

Heel pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing sensation. It might stay in one spot or spread to the arch or back of the leg. It's especially common when wearing uncomfortable shoes or after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Patients can understand the root cause of their pain with the help of a podiatrist. When you visit Millennium Podiatry, take notes about when and where pain commonly occurs and what activities worsen your discomfort. Dr. Levine can perform a foot exam and identify the cause.

Does loss of natural padding cause heel pain?

Sometimes! Heel pain could indicate that the natural padding on the bottom of the foot is wearing thin and needs to be protected. This loss of padding can be caused by:

• Age: With age comes volume loss in different areas of the body. Age can even cause the protective pad in your foot to thin and wear away over time.

• Obesity: Being overweight puts excess pressure on the feet, making them more likely to wear thin.

• Wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes: High heels, pumps, or shoes that are too tight can also place excess pressure on your feet after many hours of wear.

Can you add padding to the foot to relieve pain?

Some patients turn to noninvasive solutions to reduce foot pain and feel more comfortable when walking or moving around. If you have mild discomfort in the heel, a podiatrist in New York City may suggest custom orthotics to support the foot. Orthotics by Millennium Podiatry are custom-made to meet your specific pain issues.

Patients with moderate or severe pain due to loss of padding might consider a more advanced treatment called Stiletto RX: Pillows For Your Feet. These "pillows" provide support and shock absorption while still allowing patients to walk as normal. Our foot clinic performs treatment by administering cosmetic fillers in the area, providing real comfort where you need it the most.

Benefits of Stiletto RX at Millennium Podiatry:

• Treatment can be performed during an in-office visit

• Shown to provide long-lasting relief for heel pain

• Natural look, feel, and movement that doesn't restrict normal use of the feet

Learn about Stiletto RX

Heel pain and discomfort can make it tough to get through daily life. But patients at Millennium Podiatry don't have to live with debilitating pain, thanks to our experienced podiatrists in New York City, NY. Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine is committed to helping patients feel better through expert care, diagnosis, and treatment. Call our cutting-edge foot clinic to schedule an appointment and claim your relief.