Heel Pain Explained: What’s Causing It and How Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa Can Help

Heel pain is one of the most common problems we treat here at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa. It can be sharp when you get out of bed or a dull ache that gets worse as the day goes on. No matter how it feels, heel pain can make walking, standing, or enjoying your day hard.

The good news? Most heel pain can be treated—without surgery! It all starts with knowing what’s causing it.

What Causes Heel Pain?

1. Plantar Fasciitis

This is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. It helps support your arch. When it's pulled too hard, it can get irritated and painful.

What it feels like:

• Sharp pain in the bottom of your heel, especially in the morning

• Pain that may get better with movement but worse after long periods on your feet

2. Achilles Tendinitis

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. It can become sore or swollen from overuse, tight calves, or wearing the wrong shoes.

What it feels like:

• Pain or stiffness in the back of your heel

• Swelling that worsens after activity

3. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are little bony bumps we sometimes see on X-rays. They form when the plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone over time.

⚠️ Important note:Heel spurs are not the cause of heel pain. They are a sign that your plantar fascia has been tight or irritated for a long time. We see them often—but they aren’t always painful.

4. Heel Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help cushion your joints. When one near your heel becomes irritated, it can hurt to walk or stand.

What it feels like:

• Warmth, swelling, or aching in the heel

• Pain when you touch or press on the area

5. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Nerve Entrapment)

Sometimes a nerve in your ankle or foot can get trapped or pinched. This can cause strange heel pain that feels different from other conditions.

What it feels like:

• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the heel or arch

• Pain that gets worse at night or in tight shoes

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Heel Pain

While heel pain may sometimes go away on its own, there’s no way to know how long that will take—or if it will come back. In the meantime, it can limit your ability to walk, work, exercise, or enjoy the activities you love.

We don’t want you to just “live with it.” Getting care early can help you feel better faster, prevent bigger problems, and get you back to doing what you enjoy—without the pain.

How We Treat Heel Pain at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa

At our clinic, we take time to understand what’s really causing your pain. Then, we build a plan that works for you. Here’s how we do it:

1. Full Evaluation

We start with a physical exam, talk about your symptoms, and may take X-rays or use advanced imaging to learn more.

2. Custom Treatment Plans

Depending on what we find, we may recommend:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Custom orthotics to support your arch and heel

• MLS Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing

• Walking boots or offloading devices to rest the area when needed

• Anti-inflammatory medications or injections

  • While these do not typically solve the problem, they can help minimize symptoms while the other treatments are helping the fascia heal.

• Footwear guidance

  • Our team will make specific recommendations based on your unique foot structure and needs.

    
    

3. Education and Prevention

We’ll show you how to protect your feet moving forward—with tips on proper shoes, exercises, and ways to stay active safely.

When Should You Come See Us?

Don’t wait if:

• Your heel hurts for more than a week

• It gets worse with walking or standing

• You notice swelling, tingling, or numbness

• Pain is keeping you from doing what you love

  
  

Get Back to Living Pain-Free

At Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa, we help people of all ages move better and feel better—without pain. Whether your heel pain is new or has been going on for a while, we’re here with expert care and the latest tools to help.

📍 Visit us at our clinics in Ankeny, Des Moines, Grimes, Sac City, or Fort Dodge

📞 Call us at 515-639-3775 to schedule your visit today

Let’s get you back on your feet—and back to doing what you love!