Heel pain in Henderson: 7 causes, fast relief, and when to see a foot & ankle specialist

Supportive running shoe for heel pain relief

Quick guide: What’s causing your heel pain?

Condition	Typical pain pattern	Common triggers	Home care to try now	When to seek care
Plantar fasciitis	Sharp, stabbing pain with first steps in the morning or after sitting; eases with movement, returns later	Overuse, worn-out shoes, tight calves, long hours standing	Calf/plantar fascia stretches, ice, supportive shoes/insoles, activity tweaks	Pain > 2 weeks, severe morning pain, impact on work/sport
Achilles tendinopathy	Achy or burning pain at back of heel; worse with hills, jumping, or sprinting	Sudden training increases, tight calves	Heel-lowering eccentric exercises, ice, avoid flat footwear	Swelling/thickening, painful “creak,” pain persists despite 1–2 weeks of care
Heel spur (often with plantar fasciitis)	Deep heel ache; spur itself rarely the main culprit	Long-standing plantar strain	Same as plantar fasciitis	If home care stalls; imaging may clarify
Retrocalcaneal bursitis	Tenderness just above the heel where the shoe rubs	Stiff heel counters, Haglund’s bump	Soften heel counter, heel lift, ice	Swelling, redness, pain with closed-back shoes
Nerve entrapment (Baxter’s nerve)	Burning/tingling along inner heel/arch; may worsen at day’s end	Compression, flat feet, swelling	Gentle nerve glides, footwear support	Numbness, night pain, or progressive symptoms
Calcaneal stress fracture	Pinpoint heel pain that worsens with weight-bearing; may swell	Sudden mileage spike, impact sports	Relative rest, avoid impact	Pain with every step, tenderness to touch—get evaluated promptly
Sever’s disease (kids/teens)	Back-of-heel pain in active kids during growth spurts	Sports, tight calves, growth plates	Ice, calf stretches, heel cups	If limping or persistent despite rest

Fast relief you can try today

Support your arch all day
- Wear firm, supportive sneakers indoors and out. Avoid barefoot or flimsy flats.
- Consider over-the-counter insoles with solid arch support.
Calm irritation
- Ice the sore area 10–15 minutes after activity, up to 3 times daily.
- Short course of NSAIDs can help some people if appropriate for you. Check with your clinician if you have medical conditions or take other meds.
Stretch what’s tight
- Calf stretches: 3 sets of 30 seconds, 2–3 times daily.
- Plantar fascia stretch: cross your leg, pull toes back, massage the band along the arch.
Modify activity (temporarily)
- Swap high-impact workouts for cycling, swimming, or rowing for 1–2 weeks.
- If your job keeps you on your feet, rotate tasks when possible and use anti-fatigue mats.
Night support
- A night splint or a rolled towel under the toes can keep the fascia lengthened and reduce morning pain.

If you’re unsure which stretches or supports are right for you, a quick evaluation can save weeks of trial and error.

How we treat heel pain (and why it works)

Comprehensive exam and imaging if needed
- We pinpoint the pain source—fascia, tendon, nerve, bursa, or bone—so treatment matches the cause.
Precision, conservative care first
- Targeted home program: stretch/strengthen the right tissues (e.g., eccentric calf work for Achilles; plantar-specific loading for fascia).
- Footwear and orthotic guidance tailored to your foot mechanics.
- Activity and training plan to maintain fitness without flaring symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory strategies, taping, or bracing as appropriate.
Office-based options when indicated
- Ultrasound-guided injections for select cases.
- Advanced therapies or minimally invasive procedures for stubborn, long-standing pain.
Prevention built in
- We close the loop with form checks, return-to-run/walk progressions, and shoe rotation plans to keep pain from returning.

When to see a foot and ankle specialist

Seek care promptly if you have:

Pain that persists beyond 1–2 weeks despite home care
Severe morning pain or pain after every step
A “pop,” sudden swelling, or inability to bear weight
Numbness, tingling, or night pain
Diabetes, neuropathy, or immune conditions with any foot pain
Heel pain in a child that causes limping

What to expect at your visit

Clear diagnosis: We differentiate fascia vs. tendon vs. nerve vs. bone causes.
A personalized plan: Exactly what to do this week—shoes, stretches, activity, and follow-up.
Fast relief options: In-office treatments if you need quicker pain control.
A path back to your life: Timelines for work, sports, and daily activity, with check-ins to adjust as you heal.

FAQs

Does a heel spur cause my pain?
- Often the spur is a sign of long-term strain; the plantar fascia is usually the pain generator.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
- Many cases are diagnosed clinically. Imaging is used when a fracture, significant tear, or atypical presentation is suspected.
Can I keep running or working on my feet?
- Usually yes—with smart modifications. We’ll map out a plan that protects healing while keeping you active.
What are the best shoes for heel pain?
- Look for firm heel counters, moderate-to-high stack, and solid midfoot support. Bring your shoes to your visit for a quick audit.

Ready for relief?

Heel pain is common, but it shouldn’t be your new normal. If you’re in Henderson, Green Valley, Las Vegas, or Boulder City, schedule a visit and let’s get you moving comfortably again.

Book an appointment:
Prefer a quick question first? Call the office and ask about a heel pain triage visit.

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