Physician Quick Search

By Name:

By Specialty:

Featured Physician

Anjali Pathak, MD

Anjali Pathak, MD, believes that eyes are the window to the general health of the body. The most interesting aspect of her practice is knowing she’s impacted a patient’s life by improving their vision.

See All Featured Physicians

Ask the Expert

Overactive Bladder

My primary physician has diagnosed me with overactive bladder. I have tried medication, but it doesn’t seem to help. What other options are there?

See All Entries

Health Update

Bunions - Not so Happy Feet

A Washington University orthopedic foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Sandra Klein, says bunions often run in families, and they don't always require treatment.

See All Health Updates

Accepted Insurance

Healing Heel Pain

The pain on the back of your heel was so gradual, you don’t even remember when it started. It hurts when you get out of bed first thing in the morning.

Is it plantar fasciitis? The location of the pain may tell you it is Achilles tendinitis. While the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis may be very similar, they are two very different conditions.

Sandra Klein, MD, Washington University orthopedic surgeon who specializes in feet and ankles, explains “The Achilles tendon is the large tendon that attaches to your heel bone where the back of your shoe hits your ankle. Pain in this area is related to inflammation and overuse of the Achilles tendon. Plantar fasciitis is typically on the bottom of the heel, and is also related to overuse.”

In addition to discomfort when you first get out of bed in the morning, the pain can also become worse after exercise. It is especially painful walking up hill or stairs.

Here are some factors that can contribute to developing the condition:

Increase in activity (distance, speed or hills)
Less recovery time between activities
Change of footwear or training surface
Weak calf muscles
Decreased range of motion at the ankle joint, usually caused by tight calf muscles
Running up hills – the Achilles tendon has to stretch more than normal on every stride, causing fatigue sooner than normal

If you start having Achilles tendon pain, the best treatment is to immediately modify activities to rest your foot and ankle to reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful for both swelling and discomfort.

Dr. Klein says, “Healing of the Achilles tendon is often slow. Initial treatment involves both immobilization and activity modification. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process. For severe cases that become worse despite appropriate treatment, surgery is a consideration.”

If your heel pain lasts more than a week, you should seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist. Please call 314-514-3500 for an appointment.

Patients are seen at:

Center for Advanced Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery Center
4921 Parkview Place
6th Floor, Suite A
St. Louis, MO 63010

Washington University Orthopedics
14532 S. Outer 40 Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63017

Sandra Klein, MD

Text Size: S M L

Featured Physician

Ask the Expert

Health Update

Healing Heel Pain

View Full Site