What Causes Heel Pain And How It’s Diagnosed

Heel pain has a way of interrupting your pace—whether it’s your morning walk, a day at work, or simply getting up from bed. At Advanced Foot, Ankle, and Wound Care in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Kyle W. Sundblad and Dr. Sadegh Arab specialize in identifying the cause of heel pain and guiding patients toward relief with personalized care.

Common Causes Of Heel Pain

Heel pain can stem from several different conditions, each affecting how the foot moves and bears weight. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition often causes a sharp, stabbing pain that is worse with the first steps in the morning.

Other common causes include:

• Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. This is more common in runners and those who increase activity levels suddenly.
• Heel Spurs: Calcium deposits that build up over time and form a bony protrusion under the heel bone, often linked to chronic plantar fasciitis.
• Bursitis: Irritation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the heel.
• Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the heel bone, often caused by repetitive impact or overuse.
• Nerve Entrapment or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: When nerves in the ankle are compressed, leading to pain that radiates into the heel.

Identifying the exact cause is essential, since each condition requires a different type of care.

How Heel Pain Is Diagnosed

A proper diagnosis starts with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Dr. Sundblad or Dr. Arab will ask questions like when the pain started, whether it's worse at certain times of day, and what activities make it better or worse.

Next, a physical exam of the foot and ankle helps identify swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Depending on what the doctor finds, diagnostic imaging may be used:

• X-rays to check for fractures or heel spurs
• Ultrasound to look at soft tissues like tendons and the plantar fascia
• MRI if deeper issues like nerve entrapment or complex injuries are suspected

These tools help ensure that the diagnosis is precise and that treatment is not based on guesswork.

What Comes Next

Once the root cause is clear, a customized treatment plan can begin. This may involve physical therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory treatments, or more advanced interventions if needed. The goal is not just symptom relief, but long-term healing that supports your lifestyle.

Find Expert Heel Pain Relief In Sterling Heights

If heel pain is slowing you down, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, and Wound Care is ready to help. Dr. Kyle W. Sundblad and Dr. Sadegh Arab bring specialized knowledge and decades of combined experience to every diagnosis and treatment.

To schedule an appointment, call (586) 731-7873 and take the first step toward lasting relief.