Acute and Chronic Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common issue that can affect anyone, from athletes to those with more sedentary lifestyles. It can arise suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic), and understanding the cause is crucial for effective treatment. At LuxStep Concierge, led by Dr. Shital Sharma, we provide expert care to diagnose and treat various heel pain conditions, ensuring a personalized and effective recovery plan.

Heel pain can result from various conditions, each requiring a specific approach to treatment. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, and heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside (plantar) or back (retrocalcaneal) of the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis involves the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs due to the compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, causing pain and tingling in the heel. Lastly, Baxter's neuritis is the inflammation of the inferior calcaneal nerve, resulting in pain on the inside of the heel.

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Acute Heel Pain

Acute heel pain comes on suddenly, often due to injury or overuse. Symptoms can include sharp, stabbing pain, swelling and tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight.


Our approach to treating acute heel pain includes several strategies. Rest and ice are crucial; avoiding activities that aggravate the pain and applying ice can reduce inflammation. Compression and elevation help decrease swelling by using compression bandages and elevating the foot. Pain relief is managed through administering anti-inflammatory medications. Immobilization, using braces or orthotics, supports the heel and allows it to heal. Finally, physical therapy is implemented as a rehabilitation program to restore strength and flexibility.

What is Chronic Heel Pain?

Chronic heel pain develops over time and can persist for months or even years. It is often due to underlying conditions such as chronic plantar fasciitis, which involves persistent inflammation of the plantar fascia. Chronic heel spurs cause ongoing pain from bony growths, while tarsal tunnel syndrome results from continuous nerve compression, leading to long-term discomfort. Baxter's neuritis, another condition, involves chronic nerve inflammation that leads to persistent heel pain.


Treating chronic heel pain involves a comprehensive and individualized approach. A detailed diagnosis is essential, involving thorough evaluations and imaging studies to identify the root cause. Custom orthotics provide tailored support to the foot and alleviate pressure. Advanced therapies, such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and regenerative medicine, are utilized to address the condition. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures, may be considered. Ongoing care is also crucial, offering continuous support and follow-up to monitor progress and prevent recurrence.

Specialized Conditions

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness in the heel. Treatment involves reducing pressure on the nerve through physical therapy, orthotics, and sometimes surgery.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. Plantar heel spurs form on the bottom of the heel, while retrocalcaneal spurs form at the back. Treatment options include orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Baxter's Neuritis

Baxter's neuritis, or inferior calcaneal nerve entrapment, causes pain on the inside of the heel. Treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the nerve through orthotics, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments.

If you are experiencing acute or chronic heel pain, don't wait to seek professional care.

Contact LuxStep Concierge today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shital Sharma and receive personalized, high-end medical attention.

For detailed information about our services and pricing, please connect with our patient care coordinator at 201-668-1333. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions and provide personalized quotes based on your specific needs.

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