Heel pain is a common problem that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Other causes may include repetitive impact, overuse, Achilles tendon problems, poor footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include conservative care, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, MLS laser therapy, or surgery when necessary.
Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled acoustic pressure waves directed toward the painful area. The treatment is designed to stimulate the body's healing response and may be recommended for persistent heel pain or plantar fasciitis that has not responded adequately to basic conservative treatment.
Shockwave therapy sessions are performed in the office without surgery or anesthesia, and patients can generally return to normal daily activities afterward. Your podiatrist can determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate based on the cause and severity of your heel pain.
MLS Laser Therapy Treats Heel Pain
MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser therapy is another non-invasive treatment option used for certain painful and inflamed foot and ankle conditions. The therapy uses synchronized wavelengths of light directed toward the affected tissue.
MLS laser therapy may be incorporated into a treatment plan for heel pain or plantar fasciitis to help manage pain and inflammation while supporting the healing process. Treatment is quick and does not require surgical incisions or downtime.
Both shockwave therapy and MLS laser therapy may be considered for persistent heel pain, particularly when symptoms have not improved sufficiently with measures such as rest, stretching, activity modification, supportive footwear, or orthotics. Your treatment plan should be based on the specific cause of your symptoms rather than heel pain alone.
Early evaluation can also help distinguish plantar fasciitis from other possible sources of heel pain and allow treatment to address the underlying problem.
KT Tape for Heel Pain Video Summary
Heel pain may occur directly beneath the heel or near the lower back of the ankle. Possible contributors include overuse, repetitive-impact activities, poorly fitting or worn-out shoes, and tightness in the ankle or calf. KT Tape may provide temporary support by helping relieve pressure around the painful area.
For this application, place the ankle in dorsiflexion by bringing the toes toward the shin as much as comfortably possible.
Take the first full strip of KT Tape and twist and tear the backing paper through the middle. Peel the backing away while being careful not to touch the adhesive portion of the tape.
Place the center of the strip just underneath the heel with approximately 80% stretch. Angle the tape so it extends toward the areas just behind the ankle bones. Apply the ends of the tape without stretch.
Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the foot so the heel receives support from both directions. Rub the tape after application to create friction and heat and help activate the adhesive.
For the next strip, twist and tear the backing paper through the center again. Apply the center portion behind the heel using approximately 80% stretch. As the tape approaches the sides of the midfoot, gradually reduce the tension and apply the final portions with no stretch.
For the final piece, take another full strip and tear the backing near the logo end to create an anchor. Apply the anchor along the sole of the midfoot just ahead of the other pieces, without stretch.
Remove the backing while leaving enough paper to hold the strip without touching the adhesive. Apply approximately 50% stretch through the middle of the tape as it travels under the heel and along the Achilles tendon. Apply the final portion with no stretch.
Rub the entire tape application to create heat and improve adhesion.
Summary
- KT Tape may provide temporary support for pain beneath the heel or near the lower back of the ankle.
- Possible contributors to heel pain include overuse, repetitive-impact activities, worn or poorly fitting footwear, and ankle or calf tightness.
- The application uses several strips of tape placed around the heel and along the bottom and back of the foot.
- The middle portions of certain strips are applied with approximately 50-80% stretch, while the anchors and ends are applied without stretch.
- KT Tape may be used as a supportive measure alongside rest, stretching, appropriate footwear, and other treatment recommended by a podiatrist.
- Persistent or severe heel pain should be professionally evaluated rather than managed with taping alone.
When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain
Heel pain that repeatedly returns or lasts more than a short period should be evaluated to determine its cause. While plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel pain, similar symptoms can also be caused by Achilles tendon problems, stress injuries, nerve conditions, heel spurs, arthritis, or other foot and ankle disorders.
You should schedule a podiatric evaluation if heel pain is interfering with walking or exercise, pain is severe when you first stand after resting, symptoms continue despite home care, you develop swelling or numbness, or your pain followed an injury. Our Albuquerque heel pain specialists can identify the underlying problem and recommend treatment based on your diagnosis.
Depending on the cause of your heel pain, treatment may include stretching and activity changes, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, shockwave therapy, or surgical treatment when appropriate.