Understanding Heel Pain
Patient Information Guide | Pathways Foot & Ankle
Why does my heel hurt?
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially with those first steps in the morning. The good news is that most heel pain resolves with conservative treatment—no surgery required.
Common Causes
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot. The most common cause of heel pain.
Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Causes pain at the back of the heel.
Heel Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel, often from repetitive stress or poorly fitting shoes.
Heel Spurs
A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Often associated with plantar fasciitis but rarely the source of pain itself.
Risk Factors
- Running or jumping sports, especially on hard surfaces
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Poorly fitting shoes or worn-out athletic shoes
- Occupations that require prolonged standing or walking
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
Treatment Options
At Pathways Foot & Ankle, we always start with conservative, non-surgical treatments. Surgery is always a last resort.
- Proper footwear and arch support
- Stretching exercises for the calf and plantar fascia
- Custom orthotics to correct biomechanics
- Functional medicine testing to uncover root causes (inflammation, nutrition, metabolism)
- Shockwave therapy to break up scar tissue
- Laser therapy to reduce inflammation
- Restorative and Regenerative injections
When to See a Specialist
- Pain that persists for more than 2 weeks despite home care
- Pain that worsens or interferes with daily activities
- Sharp, stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your foot
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever)
At-Home Care Tips
- Ice the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day
- Perform calf stretches before getting out of bed
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
- Replace athletic shoes every 300-500 miles
What to Expect at Pathways Foot & Ankle
When you come to see Dr. Clifford, you can expect:
- Unhurried appointments where you're truly heard
- A thorough evaluation to find the root cause of your pain
- Access to cutting-edge non-surgical treatments like shockwave and laser therapy
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Ready to find relief from your heel pain?
Call Dr. Clifford directly at (971) 359-5299 or visit www.pathwaysfoot.com to schedule your appointment.
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045 | Same-day visits available