Signs Your Heel Pain Isn’t Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, but it’s not the only culprit. If you’re experiencing heel pain, it’s important to consider other potential causes that might require different treatment approaches. Here are some signs that your heel pain may not be due to plantar fasciitis:

Pain at the Back of the Heel

Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain on the bottom of the heel, whereas conditions like Achilles tendonitis or retrocalcaneal bursitis involve pain at the back of the heel, near the Achilles tendon.

Pain with Activity, Not Just First Steps in the Morning

Plantar fasciitis pain usually peaks after long periods of rest, especially in the morning when taking the first few steps. If your heel pain worsens during or after physical activity, especially running or jumping, it may indicate a stress fracture or nerve compression (like tarsal tunnel syndrome) rather than plantar fasciitis.

Radiating Pain, Numbness, or Tingling

Pain that radiates from the heel into the arch, toes, or even the ankle, along with sensations of numbness or tingling, could point to tarsal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve is compressed in the ankle.

Your heel or surrounding areas are swollen 

Inflammation around the heel, especially with visible redness or heat, could be a sign of bursitis (like retrocalcaneal bursitis) or even an infection like osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, rather than plantar fasciitis, which typically doesn’t cause significant swelling.

You can’t put weight on your heel

If you can’t put weight on your heel, that almost always means you have a problem other than plantar fasciitis, like a fracture or severe sprain, that needs immediate medical care.

Pain in Children or Adolescents

Heel pain in children and adolescents, particularly those involved in sports or growth spurts, could be a sign of Sever’s disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which typically affects adults, Sever’s disease occurs in growing children.

While plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, it’s important to consider other potential causes, especially when the pain doesn’t follow typical plantar fasciitis patterns or responds poorly to standard treatments. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it’s important to book in for an appointment at Heal Focus Podiatry for assessment and to receive the right treatment for your condition. A proper diagnosis will ensure the most effective approach to relieving your heel pain.

Ready to take the next step toward pain-free heels? Book an appointment with our expert team today, and let us help you find the relief you deserve. Click here to schedule your consultation!

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