Reston/Herndon - (703) 437-6333
Manassas/Gainesville - (703) 368-7166

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Here are some of the best at-home strategies for getting your heel pain under control. 


Our Reston, VA, foot, and ankle surgeons see a lot of heel pain cases coming into the office. This pain most often affects the underside of the heel but can also radiate to the arches of the foot or affect the back of the foot above the heelbone. Whether you are an avid runner or you’re on your feet all day for work, you may find yourself dealing with heel pain at some point. Here’s what you should know about heel pain,


First, what’s causing your heel pain? 

To determine how to best treat your heel pain, our Reston, VA, foot, and ankle surgeons will need to determine what’s causing your heel pain. The most common cause is an overuse injury known as plantar fasciitis. If you notice pain on the underside of the heel below the heel bone then you could very well be dealing with plantar fasciitis.


Other causes of heel pain include,


  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Heel spurs
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Stress fracture


If you’ve never dealt with heel pain before and you find that your symptoms don’t ease up on their own within a few days, then it’s time to consult a foot doctor to find out what’s going on. After all, it is possible for plantar fasciitis to become chronic, if not properly treated.


How is heel pain treated? 

In most cases, rest is key to easing your heel pain. This is especially true if you are dealing with overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, or any of the conditions listed above. Along with rest, home care may include,


  • Wearing supportive shoes (even around the house)
  • Taking pain relievers
  • Icing the heel
  • Stretching and performing therapeutic foot exercises
  • Splinting (you may choose to do this at night to reduce morning pain and stiffness)
  • Massaging your heel throughout the day


If heel pain is severe or doesn’t respond to at-home care, then it’s time to see a foot and ankle specialist. More stubborn or severe forms of heel pain may be effectively treated with,


  • Custom orthotics
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery (in rare cases)


If you are dealing with heel pain that isn’t responding to at-home care, our Reston, VA, foot, and ankle surgeons can help. Call Reston, Manassas, and Leesburg Foot and Ankle Centers at (703) 437-6333, (703) 368-7166, or (703) 777-2101 to schedule an evaluation.

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Locations

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
1760 Reston Pkwy, Suite 310
Reston, VA 20190
Phone (703) 437-6333
Fax: (703) 437-7837

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
8577A Sudley Rd.
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone (703) 368-7166
Fax: (703) 368-5103

Office Hours

Reston Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Manassas Foot and Ankle Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm