Treating Your Heel Pain

November 22, 2017
A woman is holding her foot in pain.

Does heel pain make walking uncomfortable? Podiatrists Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot and Ankle heel painCenter in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, share common causes of the pain and explain what can be done to relieve it.
Haglund's deformity
Haglund's deformity, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, causes a swollen red bump to develop on the back of your heel. The bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac, helps your Achilles tendon glide over the bones in your ankle joint easily. You can develop Haglund's deformity if you wear shoes that rub against your heel or exercise more intensely or longer than normal. The condition often goes away if you choose shoes that don't irritate your heel.
Soaking your heel in warm water, applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce pain. If your symptoms continue, you may benefit from physical therapy, ultrasound treatment, corticosteroid injections or orthotics.
Calluses
Painful calluses can develop on your heel if you wear shoes that don't fit well or if one of the metatarsal bones in your foot is longer than the other. Although you can remove shallow calluses with a pumice stone, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with our Glasgow, Wilmington, or Newark, DE office if your callus is thick or you have diabetes. If a difference in the length of your bones causes frequent calluses, you may benefit from surgery to lift and realign the longer bone.
Plantar fasciitis
An inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue you can feel if you press on the sole of your foot, is a common cause of heel pain. The condition is more likely to occur if you run or on your feet for long periods of time, are overweight or have an arch problem. If your pain is mild, you may notice some improvement if you stay off your feet, apply ice packs and perform a few stretching exercises. Corticosteroid injections, night splints, and heel inserts are often recommended by foot doctors to treat plantar fasciitis symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Are you concerned about your heel pain? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, by calling 555-555-555.

< Older Post Newer Post >
Sports medicine in podiatry for foot and ankle recovery

How Sports Medicine in Podiatry Speeds Recovery

October 12, 2026
Learn how sports medicine in podiatry diagnoses foot and ankle injuries, guides recovery, and helps athletes return to activity safely in Hampton Roads.
Custom medical orthotics for foot support.

5 Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Foot Pain in 2026

July 21, 2026
Discover the life-changing benefits of custom orthotics. Learn how prescription inserts provide foot pain relief, correct alignment, and improve mobility at Affiliated Podiatrists.
Healthy feet in sandals on a sunny boardwalk during summer.

5 Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy This Summer (2026)

June 18, 2026
Learn 5 essential summer foot care tips to prevent swelling, blisters, and fungal infections. Keep your feet healthy and pain-free this season!

Keep Your Feet Healthy This Foot Health Awareness Month

By VIV Builder • April 9, 2026
Stay active and pain-free this Foot Health Awareness Month. Learn about heel pain, orthotics, diabetic foot care, and sports injury treatment options.
Relieving feet pain with supportive footwear

5 Ways to Relieve Feet Pain in 2026 (Expert Guide)

April 2, 2026
Stop living with chronic feet pain. Learn the common causes of foot discomfort in older adults and discover how professional podiatry care can restore your mobility in 2026.
Senior patient receiving foot care from a professional podiatrist

5 Aging Foot Problems: How to Regain Mobility in 2026

April 2, 2026
Learn how to manage common foot pain, bunions, and diabetic foot issues as you age. Discover how a professional podiatrist in Newport News VA and Hampton VA can help you stay active, mobile, and pain-free in 2026.

Feeling Unlucky? Achilles Tendonitis Can Sneak Up on You

By VIV Builder • April 1, 2026
Achilles tendonitis can develop gradually, causing heel pain and stiffness that worsens over time. Learn the warning signs and how a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails: When a Small Problem Becomes a Big Pain

By VIV Builder • March 5, 2026
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that can start as a minor irritation and quickly become painful. Learn more about how we can help with ingrown toenails.

Don't Ignore Ankle Sprains

By VIV Builder • February 19, 2026
Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot and ankle injuries, yet they're often brushed off as no big deal. The truth is, even a mild sprain deserves proper care.
Show Your Feet Some Love This February

Show Your Feet Some Love This February

By VIV Builder • February 5, 2026
Show Your Feet Some Love This February
Show More