Living with heel pain doesn't have to be your new normal. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Alexander Thomas and his skilled team offer personalized diagnosis and treatment options for all types of heel pain, from plantar fasciitis to stress fractures. Whether your discomfort strikes first thing in the morning or after activity, we'll identify the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan to get you back to work or play pain-free. Our Metro Detroit-area practice specializes in both conservative approaches and advanced therapies for lasting heel pain relief.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Our feet contain 28 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Many of these essential components are concentrated in the rearfoot. Several factors contribute to heel pain, including foot deformities, improper footwear, sudden increases in activity level, and occupations that require long periods of standing on hard surfaces.
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we frequently help people recover from the following conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Considered the most common reason for heel pain in active adults between 40 and 60, it’s caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue—the plantar fascia ligament—that connects the heel bone to the toes. Patients typically experience sharp pain with the first steps of the morning that may ease with activity but return after periods of rest.
Achilles Tendinitis
When the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel is strained or sprained, pain typically develops just above the heel bone. This condition often results from overuse, especially in runners or other individuals who suddenly increase their activity level.
Heel Spurs
These bony growths on the underside of the heel bone develop over time in response to chronic strain on foot ligaments and muscles. While not all heel spurs cause symptoms, they trigger considerable pain during walking or standing.
Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in the heel bone are often caused by repetitive motion, particularly in athletes and people who move a lot in their professions. The pain typically worsens during activity and improves with rest.
Sever’s Disease
Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, this condition is common in active children between the ages of 8 and 14. It develops due to a strain of the sensitive growth plate in the heel bone. Symptoms include pain that worsens with activity, while standing barefoot, or with side-to-side weight distribution.
Our Approach to Heel Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we believe resolving your foot pain begins with an accurate diagnosis. When you visit our Dearborn office, Dr. Thomas conducts a thorough examination that includes:
- Listening carefully to your symptoms and concerns.
- A comprehensive review of your medical history and symptoms.
- Physical examination of your foot structure and function.
- Gait analysis to evaluate how you walk.
- In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound.
- Explaining findings in clear, understandable terms.
This detailed approach allows him to identify not only the condition causing your pain but also the underlying factors contributing to it. For instance, plantar fasciitis might be triggered by a combination of flat feet, tight calf muscles, and unsupportive shoes—all factors that need addressing for complete relief.
Personalized Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Based on your specific diagnosis, Dr. Thomas then works with you to create a treatment plan best suited to your activities and lifestyle. We want to help you be proactive about healing through a combination of non-invasive approaches such as:
- Custom orthotic devices. Our team designs and fits prescription shoe inserts that correct foot abnormalities and provide proper support where you need it most. Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom orthotics address your unique foot structure and condition.
- Physical therapy. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce pain and prevent the recurrence of conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
- Footwear recommendations. Dr. Thomas offers guidance on selecting shoes with proper arch support, cushioning, and fit for your foot type and activities.
- Advanced treatments. For persistent heel pain, we offer cutting-edge treatments including Multiwave Locked System laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing and platelet-rich plasma injections using your body's natural healing components to repair damaged tissue.
How Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists Help You Prevent Future Problems
Here in Dearborn, where our lively community keeps us on the move, heel pain can prevent you from fully participating in work, family life, and cultural experiences. Not only does Dr. Thomas have more than a decade of experience helping people just like you, but he also knows first-hand what you’re going through right now. He’s managed his own flat feet and plantar fasciitis symptoms using many of the protocols above and also “walks the walk” regarding essential preventative measures he recommends to patients such as:
- Home exercise programs to maintain foot and ankle strength and flexibility.
- Regular use of prescribed custom orthotics.
- Recommendations for gradual increases in exercise intensity.
We don't just treat feet—we help restore the life you want to live. Whether you need our help relieving heel pain and creating a new training approach for the Detroit Marathon, providing insight into how customized insoles and supportive footwear will comfort your feet all day at work, or finally putting an end to those first painful steps early in the morning, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas and the dedicated staff at Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our comprehensive approach is backed by something even more powerful: a genuine commitment to understanding your needs and goals. Call us today and take control of your health.