Beyond Plantar Fasciitis: What Else Could Be Causing Your Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact quality of life. While plantar fasciitis is often the primary suspect when it comes to heel pain, other conditions can mimic its symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here to explore the various conditions that can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis and provide valuable insights to help you identify the true source of your heel discomfort.
Plantar Fasciitis: A Brief Overview
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Common symptoms include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, particularly upon waking or after periods of rest. However, several other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Conditions That Mimic Plantar Fasciitis:
- Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. Not all heel spurs cause pain. However, when they do, the pain can be similar to that of plantar fasciitis.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurswhen the tibial nerve in the ankle becomes compressed, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the heel and sole.
- Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the heel.
- Stress fractures are small cracks or breaks in the bones of the foot, typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse. While stress fractures commonly occur in the metatarsal bones, they can also affect the heel bone, leading to localized pain that may be mistaken for plantar fasciitis.
- Baxter’s nerve entrapment involves compression of the lateral plantar nerve, which runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition can cause pain and numbness in the heel and arch, resembling the symptoms of plantar fasciitis but originating from a different nerve pathway.
If you need help diagnosing the culprit of your heel pain, the team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here for you! With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.