Why Your Feet Hurt: Causes of Heel Pain
Heel Pain Causes & Relief | The Foot and Ankle Center | The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia and surrounding areas.
Why Your Heels Hurt—and What You Can Do About It
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our podiatry office. Whether the pain is sharp, aching, or burning, it can affect your ability to walk, work, or enjoy activities.
The good news: most heel pain is treatable with early care. At The Foot and Ankle Center in The Woodlands, TX, we help patients get lasting relief with accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
1. Plantar Fasciitis: The #1 Cause of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes irritated.
Common symptoms:
Sharp heel pain in the morning
Pain after sitting
Pain during long walks or standing
Treatment may include:
Stretching and therapy
Custom orthotics
Supportive footwear
Anti-inflammatory options
Advanced therapies for chronic cases
2. Achilles Tendonitis
This condition affects the tendon at the back of the heel.
Symptoms include:
Stiffness
Swelling
Pain after activity
Tenderness behind the heel
Early treatment is key to preventing tendon tears.
3. Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a small calcium deposit that forms on the heel bone.
Heel spurs occur when the plantar fascia is under strain for long periods.
They may cause:
Sharp pain when stepping down
Aching after activity
Inflammation and tenderness
4. Flat Feet or High Arches
Foot structure plays a major role in heel pain.
Flat feet may cause:
Overstretching of the plantar fascia
Pain along the arch and heel
High arches may cause:
Increased pressure on the heel
Instability and strain
Custom orthotics are often extremely effective in these cases.
5. Nerve Issues (Such as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)
When nerves in the ankle or heel are compressed, patients may feel:
Burning
Tingling
Shooting pain
Numbness
Nerve-related heel pain requires early evaluation to prevent worsening symptoms.
6. Overuse or Improper Footwear
Shoes with poor support—especially flat sandals or worn-out sneakers—can cause or worsen heel pain. Standing all day or starting a new exercise routine too quickly can also overload the heel.
How We Treat Heel Pain
Our podiatrist creates a customized plan based on the cause of your pain. Treatments may include:
✔ Custom orthotics
✔ Stretching and strengthening
✔ Anti-inflammatory treatment
✔ Shock absorption therapy
✔ Bracing
✔ Advanced rehabilitative therapies
Most patients experience significant improvement within weeks.
Get Relief From Heel Pain
If heel pain is affecting your daily life, don’t wait. Early care leads to faster healing and prevents long-term issues.
Contact The Foot and Ankle Center in The Woodlands, TX to schedule your heel pain evaluation.
📍 3786 FM 1488 Suite 150, The Woodlands, TX
Call (281) 369 - 9166
