HEEL PAIN

Plantar Fasciitis – or inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes - is the most common cause of heel pain. It also can cause pain in the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is typically a sign of mechanical issues in how the foot works. Treatments include conservative options like stretching exercises, rest, orthotics, injections, and supportive shoes. Dr. Levick utilizes minimally invasive surgical procedures if conservative methods don’t’ alleviate the condition.

Retro Calcaneal Bursitis is another common cause of heel pain. Back of the heel pain can result when the bursa becomes inflamed from repetitive motion, like walking and running, or irritation from shoes. Conservative treatment plan that includes rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications as well as corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve the heel pain. Dr. Levick utilizes minimally invasive surgical procedures if conservative methods don’t’ alleviate the condition.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is when the tibial nerve is involved. It feels more like a burning pain, shooting down from the foot generally toward the toes. Patients will often tell their foot and ankle surgeons during a visit that their heel “burns.” While there are noninvasive options, like medications that will help nerve pain, patients often require decompression surgery to “untrap” the nerve causing the pain. Patients suffering from heel pain resulting from nerve pain are often misdiagnosed by previous doctors. Dr. Levick does a full workup and watches treatment and response closely to avoid these mistakes for earlier detection and prevention.