Every step shouldn't be a struggle. Yet, for many people in Collingwood and surrounding areas, heel pain has become an unwelcome companion that affects their work, daily activities, and quality of life. Whether you're experiencing sharp morning pain, persistent aching, or discomfort that worsens throughout the day, you're not alone—and more importantly, you don't have to live with it.

At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, Tony Abbott draws on over three decades of experience to provide effective solutions for heel pain. Using advanced diagnostic technology and innovative treatments, including custom 3D-printed orthotics, our team helps patients return to their active lifestyles pain-free.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

There are many causes of heel pain, from genetic disorders to chronic conditions to trauma. The following are among the most common causes:  

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain. It develops when the strong band of tissue supporting your arch becomes strained and inflamed. You might experience stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain often lessens during activity but returns after rest.

Risk factors include jobs that keep you on your feet, athletic activities like running, and structural foot problems such as high arches or flat feet. Our advanced diagnostic technology helps identify contributing factors, allowing us to create an effective treatment plan that may include custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, and targeted stretching exercises.

Achilles Tendinitis

This overuse injury affects the Achilles tendon—the largest tendon in your body. Pain typically builds gradually, starting as a mild ache above your heel after running or other sports activities. You might notice increased stiffness in the morning or when climbing stairs.

Active adults over 40 are particularly susceptible, especially weekend warriors who exercise intensely without proper conditioning. Our comprehensive treatment approach includes custom orthotics to support proper foot alignment, specific exercises to strengthen the tendon, and MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Heel Spur Syndrome

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that develop gradually on the bottom of your heel bone. They typically grow in response to chronic strain on foot muscles and ligaments, often alongside plantar fasciitis. While not all heel spurs cause pain, some people experience consistent discomfort that feels like a pin or knife in their heel.

Using our CryoVizion scanning system, we can precisely identify the location and extent of heel spurs, helping us design custom orthotics that redistribute pressure away from sensitive areas. We also offer treatments to address the underlying causes and prevent further bone growth.

Bursitis

When the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions your heel—becomes inflamed, you might experience swelling, redness, and pain that worsen throughout the day. Common triggers include poorly fitting shoes, repetitive motion, or excessive pressure on the heel.

Our treatment plans for bursitis often combine immediate pain relief strategies with long-term solutions, including custom orthotics designed using our Cryos system to reduce pressure on the affected area.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition affects the nerves in your feet, causing symptoms ranging from numbness to sharp, burning pain. While diabetes is a common cause, other factors include vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, and chronic medical conditions.

Regular foot assessments are crucial for people with neuropathy. Our clinic provides comprehensive evaluations and custom orthotics designed to protect sensitive feet and prevent complications.

Haglund's Deformity

Often called a "pump bump" due to its association with rigid-backed footwear, this bony enlargement forms on the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon. Over time, the area can become painful and inflamed. Women who frequently wear high heels are particularly susceptible.

Using our advanced scanning technology, we can create custom orthotics that accommodate the enlarged heel area while providing proper support. We also offer guidance on footwear modifications and treatments to reduce inflammation.

Sever's Disease

This condition affects physically active children, typically between ages 8 and 14, when their growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed. Pain usually increases during and after sports activities and may cause limping.

Our clinic specializes in treating young athletes, using our CryoVizion system to monitor growth-related changes and design appropriate orthotics that support proper development while allowing continued participation in sports.

Stress Fractures

These tiny breaks in the heel bone often result from repetitive impact or sudden increases in activity levels. You might experience deep, aching pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Early detection is crucial for preventing complete fractures. Our comprehensive evaluation includes detailed scanning to identify stress fractures early, allowing us to implement appropriate treatment plans, including activity modification and supportive orthotics.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This systemic condition can cause significant heel pain when it affects the joints in your feet. Morning stiffness, swelling, and warmth around the heel area are common symptoms.

How Our Chiropodist Diagnoses Your Heel Pain

At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, we take a systematic approach to identifying the root cause of your heel pain:

  • Physical examination. We assess your foot structure, walking pattern, and range of motion while documenting areas of tenderness and swelling.
  • Gait analysis. We evaluate how you walk to identify abnormal movement patterns contributing to your heel pain.
  • Medical history review. We discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous foot problems or injuries that might contribute to your current condition.
  • Imaging. Our state-of-the-art CryoVizion body scanning system provides detailed insights into your body's alignment and how it affects your feet. We may recommend additional imaging to rule out specific conditions or confirm a diagnosis when necessary.

How Custom Orthotics Can Alleviate or Eliminate Heel Pain

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts precisely crafted to address your unique foot structure and specific condition. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are medical devices designed to correct biomechanical foot issues that cause heel pain.

At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we utilize the innovative Cryos system, featuring advanced 3D printing technology to create durable, precise orthotics. Our clinic is the only facility in the area offering the complete Cryos system, which includes:

  • Full-body CryoVizion scanning for comprehensive analysis
  • Precise digital measurements for optimal fit
  • 3D-printed orthotics customized to your exact specifications
  • Follow-up scans to verify effectiveness and make adjustments

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore Heel Pain

It can be tempting to think that your heel pain will disappear on its own or that it can be alleviated with home remedies. The truth is that heel pain is often indicative of a more significant or more serious issue:

  1. Risk of Chronic Conditions. Untreated heel pain can develop into persistent problems that become harder to resolve.
  2. Impact on Daily Activities. Ongoing heel pain often leads people to modify their walking patterns, which can cause knee, hip, and back problems.
  3. Reduced Quality of Life. Persistent pain can limit your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday activities.
  4. Impact on financial security. Failure to seek a diagnosis of and treatment for your condition can leave you unable to walk or stand, which can affect your ability to work and provide for your family.
  5. Progressive Damage. The underlying condition causing your heel pain may worsen without proper treatment, potentially requiring more intensive intervention later. For older patients, heel pain can lead to a loss of balance and mobility—a leading cause of falls.  

Non-Surgical Treatment Options We Offer

While some medical conditions warrant surgery, less invasive options may work better for you. At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we begin with the least invasive treatments appropriate for your condition:

  • MLS laser therapy. Our advanced low-level light therapy treatment reduces inflammation and accelerates healing.
  • Manual foot therapy. Manual foot therapy involves manipulating the joints to reduce stress, and may be successful in alleviating pain associated with plantar fasciitis. 
  • Therapeutic exercises. We provide specific stretching and strengthening routines tailored to your condition.
  • Footwear recommendations. Get expert guidance on selecting shoes that support your feet properly.
  • Activity modifications. Learn how to adjust your activities to promote healing without sacrificing what you love.
  • Ice and heat therapy. We'll teach you when and how to use temperature therapy effectively.

Schedule a Consultation with a Collingwood Chiropodist Today

Don't let pain or discomfort hold you back from enjoying life. Call Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood at (705) 444-9929, or contact us online to schedule your comprehensive assessment with an experienced chiropodist. With our advanced technology and experienced care, we can help you take the first step into a pain-free future. Proudly serving Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Owen Sound, Stayner, Meaford, Thornbury, Creemore, Barrie, and all surrounding areas.