Heel pain is a common issue in athletes that can significantly impact their performance and participation in sports. According to Dr. Brian Lynn and Dr. David Sacrestno of Comprehensive Podiatric
Heel pain is a common issue in athletes that can significantly impact their performance and participation in sports. According to Dr. Brian Lynn and Dr. David Sacrestno of Comprehensive Podiatric Care in Uniondale, NY, athletes should understand the causes and available treatment options when they need to determine when it is safe to return to their favorite sport or activity.
What Causes Heel Pain in Athletes?
The causes of heel pain vary and include–
- Achilles Tendinitis – This tendon, which connects your heel bone to the calf muscles, may become inflamed and painful.
- Plantar Fasciitis - The plantar fascia – running across the sole/bottom of your foot may become inflamed and cause intense pain.
- Stress Fractures – These refer to tiny cracks in the heel bone - typically caused by overuse/repetitive stress.
- Heel Spurs – Spurs refer to deposits of calcium that create a bony protrusion under your heel bone.
- Sever's Disease – This common condition happens to young athletes when their heel’s growth plate becomes inflamed.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Nerve compression that causes pain in your heel and foot.
Diagnosis of Heel Pain in Athletes
Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical evaluation that includes a physical exam, a history of your heel pain, biomechanical assessments (gait/foot mechanics), and imaging studies (MRI, Ultrasound, X-rays) to determine causes and guide specific treatments.
Treatment of Heel Pain in Athletes
The most conservative treatment options include–
- Reducing or modifying activities.
- Applying ice for pain/inflammation.
- Stretching/Strengthening exercises for calf, foot, and ankle muscles, etc.
- Wearing appropriate footwear/orthotics adds support and helps correct biomechanical issues.
- Physical therapy improves flexibility and strength and offers overall improved foot mechanics.
- Medication is available to alleviate pain and inflammation.
More Advanced Treatments
- Corticosteroid or Platelet-rich plasma Injections to help with inflammation and healing.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) helps stimulate healing for chronic foot conditions.
- Surgery is reserved for situations where conservative treatments do not bring about the desired results.
Returning To Sports/Activities
Implementing a well-structured return-to-sport protocol is vital to preventing a recurrence and ensuring full recovery.
- Athletes should gradually increase their activity levels based on pain and function and incorporate low-impact choices to allow for focus on improving strength, flexibility, and biomechanics while reducing heel stress.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and modify treatment if needed.
Consider the way you can prevent future issues –by warming up and choosing proper footwear, etc.
Contact a Leading Uniondale, NY Podiatrist Today
Heel pain in athletes requires a comprehensive approach involving accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and a cautious return-to-sport strategy. For more information, contact Dr. Lynn, Dr. Sacrestano, or a staff member of Comprehensive Podiatric Care at (516) 627-5775 or online.