Heel Pain

Heel pain can make even simple daily activities—like getting out of bed, walking the dog, or standing at work—uncomfortable and frustrating. Whether your pain is sharp and stabbing or dull and persistent, it’s often a sign of an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

At the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists provide advanced, evidence-based care for heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis, and Achilles tendon injuries.

Heel pain can stem from several different conditions. A thorough exam helps determine which structure is involved.

Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes irritated or develops small tears from repetitive stress, inflammation and pain occur.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel

• Pain that is worse with the first steps in the morning

• Discomfort after prolonged standing or activity

• Tightness along the arch

Plantar fasciitis heel pain often develops gradually and worsens without proper treatment.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form along the underside of the heel bone. While heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, they are frequently associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. Ongoing strain on the plantar fascia can contribute to spur formation over time.

Bursitis

Heel bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac (retrocalcaneal bursa) at the back of the heel becomes inflamed. This condition often develops due to repetitive friction, overtraining, or wearing rigid footwear.

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling at the back of the heel

• Redness and warmth

• Pain when walking, running, or wearing certain shoes

Because symptoms can overlap with Achilles tendinitis, proper diagnosis is essential.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or inadequate stretching can lead to inflammation and microtears.

Symptoms include:

• Burning or aching pain in the back of the heel

• Stiffness, especially in the morning

• Tenderness or swelling along the tendon

• Pain that worsens with activity

Left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can progress and increase the risk of tendon rupture.

Heel pain may present differently depending on the cause, but common symptoms include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain with the first steps of the day

• Dull, aching pain after prolonged standing

• Swelling or redness around the heel

• Tenderness to touch

• Tightness in the arch or calf

• Pain that worsens after activity

If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or interfere with daily activities, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.

At the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, we begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination. 

Your provider will assess:

• Location of the pain

• Foot structure and biomechanics

• Range of motion

• Tendon integrity

• Gait patterns

Advanced imaging, such as digital X-rays or ultrasound, may be used to confirm conditions like heel spurs, stress fractures, or tendon pathology.

An accurate diagnosis allows us to create a targeted, effective treatment plan.

Whenever possible, we begin with conservative treatment to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. Early intervention often prevents the need for surgery.

Non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Activity modification

• Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications

• Custom orthotics and supportive footwear

• Night splints

• Physical therapy and stretching programs

• Immobilization (walking boot or cast in severe cases)

• Corticosteroid injections (when appropriate)

• Regenerative medicine treatments

Regenerative & Advanced Therapies

For chronic or stubborn heel pain, advanced therapies may help stimulate the body’s natural healing response. These may include:

• Shockwave therapy

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections

• Cell-based regenerative treatments

• Ultrasound-guided precision injections

Certain specialists at our practice utilize ultrasound guidance to ensure injections are delivered precisely to the area of greatest need—maximizing effectiveness and avoiding “blind” injections.

Surgical Treatment for Heel Pain

If conservative care fails to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. Procedures vary depending on the diagnosis and may involve:

• Plantar fascia release

• Heel spur removal

• Achilles tendon repair

• Debridement of damaged tissue

Our surgeons prioritize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce downtime and support faster recovery.

You don’t have to live with persistent heel pain. Whether your discomfort is caused by plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, bursitis, or Achilles tendinitis, our experienced foot and ankle specialists are here to help.

With advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and a patient-first philosophy, we focus on delivering long-term relief—not temporary fixes.

Request an appointment today and start your path toward comfortable, confident movement.