Diagnosing Heel Pain 

 

Diagnosis of any health condition should begin with a thorough health history. Before your first appointment, take time to visit our New Patient section of the website. Here you will find forms to complete before your visit. This is the first step in acquiring background about your podiatric and general health. 

The next step is an examination of your feet. Pinpointing the location of your discomfort will aid the doctor in determining its exact cause. Understanding your specific foot mechanics is also critical. This will include evaluating the feet and ankles for balance, coordination, reflexes, and muscle condition. For example, if the doctor notices over pronation, or the acute turning in of the foot as you walk, this provides a clue to the cause of your heel pain. 

Another piece to diagnosis includes imaging either through x-ray or diagnostic ultrasound. Seeing the heel and surrounding area provides vital information. Heel pain can sometimes be caused by a nerve that is pinched, or a stress fracture that has gone undetected. An image gives the doctor the opportunity to see the structure of the heel, and determine if its integrity has been compromised. Heel spurs are also revealed during this process, and while they may or may not be the reason for your pain, the knowledge allows for a more accurate diagnosis.