Heel Pain in Athletes: What It Means and How to Stay Active Safely

There’s no question that physical activity bolsters overall health and wellness. At the same time, all athletics carry a risk of injury and pain. 

Considering how much athletes tend to use their legs, ankles, and feet, heel pain isn’t uncommon among athletes. Thankfully, you can take steps to lower your risk. 

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, identifies the cause of heel pain and customizes effective treatment. In this month’s blog, he offers guidance on safe ways to stay active.

Heel pain conditions in athletes

Heel pain can stem from overuse or from sudden trauma, such as a tackle or a fall. You can also develop gradual damage from regular running or jumping. Once that’s started, you’re more vulnerable to an acute traumatic injury.

Common conditions behind heel pain in athletes include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Fat pad atrophy
• Fractures
• Heel spurs
• Sever’s disease
• Strains and sprains 

Sever’s disease is the leading cause of heel pain in young athletes, including kids and teens. In older adult athletes, fat pad atrophy, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis are more common. 

Adults also hold an increased risk of heel pain from osteoarthritis (OA). One study showed that OA occurs in athletes around age 48, on average. Having OA in your knees or hips, the most common areas, can contribute to heel pain by affecting your alignment, gait, and stability.

Heel pain treatment options

After a comprehensive exam and any needed imaging tests, Dr. Kosari will advise you on your treatment options. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, as well as your overall health and fitness level, your plan may include:

• Custom orthotics
• Elevating, icing, and resting your heel
• Physical therapy (PT)
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Stretching your muscles before exercise (after a warm-up) 
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen
• Wearing a night splint

For chronic or severe heel pain that fails to respond to conservative care, we may recommend surgery. For plantar fasciitis, the procedure involves releasing your plantar fascia, or the fibrous tissue band that runs across the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes.

Protecting your heels from pain

While there’s no sure way to prevent heel pain as an athlete, numerous practices can lower your odds. Wearing appropriate shoes, using proper form, gradually increasing workout intensity, and resting sufficiently, for example, can go a long way in keeping you active and injury-free.

To get to the bottom of your heel pain, experience lasting relief, or prevent future problems, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our easy online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.