Foot Pain Between Ankle and Heel: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Foot pain between ankle and heel is a common problem that affects active adults, workers who stand for long hours, and people with foot structure issues. This area is under constant stress when you walk, run, or stand. When tissues become irritated or damaged, pain can develop quickly. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help prevent long-term problems and help you get back to moving comfortably in Phoenix.

What Causes Foot Pain Between the Ankle and Heel?

Foot pain between ankle and heel usually develops from stress, inflammation, or poor foot mechanics.

• Overuse and repetitive stress (Repeated walking, running, or standing strains the tissues between the ankle and heel)
• Poor footwear (Shoes without proper support increase pressure on the heel and ankle area)
• Sudden increase in activity (Rapid changes in exercise overload the tendons and ligaments)
• Tight calf muscles (Limited flexibility pulls on the heel and Achilles tendon)
• Abnormal foot structure (Flat feet or high arches change how weight moves through the foot)

Common Conditions That Cause This Pain

Several medical conditions can cause foot pain between ankle and heel in Phoenix:

• Achilles tendonitis (Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causes pain where the tendon meets the heel)
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis (Swelling of the bursa between the heel bone and Achilles tendon leads to deep heel pain)
• Plantar fasciitis (rear portion) (Inflammation near the heel attachment can radiate pain upward)
• Haglund’s deformity (A bony bump irritates soft tissue behind the heel)
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome (Nerve compression causes burning or shooting pain between the ankle and heel)

Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptom	Description
Persistent heel pain	Pain that does not improve with rest
Stiffness	Worse in the morning or after sitting
Swelling	Around the heel or ankle area
Tenderness	Pain when touching the back of the heel
Burning or tingling	Possible nerve involvement
Pain with activity	Increases during walking or exercise

Effective Treatment Options for Pain Between Ankle and Heel

In Phoenix, your treatment for foot pain between ankle and heel depends on the cause, severity, and lifestyle factors. Our podiatrists create a plan that reduces inflammation, supports healing, and prevents recurrence.

Custom Orthotics

They support your unique foot structure. They improve alignment, reduce strain on the heel and ankle, and help distribute pressure evenly with every step. This support lowers stress on injured tissues and helps prevent the pain from returning.

Physical Therapy

PT focuses on stretching tight calf muscles and strengthening weak foot and ankle structures. These exercises improve flexibility, restore normal motion, and reduce tension in the heel area. Therapy also helps prevent future flare-ups by improving balance and stability.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

These treatments help control swelling and relieve pain caused by irritated tissues. These may include medications or targeted therapies that calm inflammation, allowing the area between the ankle and heel to heal more effectively.

Shockwave Therapy

It is a non-invasive treatment used for ongoing foot pain between ankle and heel in Phoenix. It increases blood flow to the injured area and stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This therapy is especially helpful for chronic conditions that have not responded to rest or basic care.

Immobilization

It uses a walking boot or brace to limit movement and reduce stress on the injured area. By keeping the foot stable, damaged tissues can heal properly without repeated strain, leading to faster and more complete recovery. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our expert podiatrists provide personalized care to help you heal and move comfortably again. Schedule your visit today and take the next step toward lasting relief.

When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Pain Between the Ankle and Heel

You should see a Phoenix podiatrist if:

• Foot pain between ankle and heel lasts more than one week
• Pain interferes with walking or daily activities
• Swelling or redness continues to worsen
• Home care does not improve symptoms
• Pain starts suddenly after an injury

Remember! Early evaluation helps prevent chronic damage and long recovery times.

Home Care for Mild Cases

• Rest – Giving the foot time off lowers strain on the tissues between the ankle and heel so they can heal.
• Ice therapy – Applying ice helps reduce swelling and eases pain by calming inflammation.
• Stretching exercises – Gentle stretches loosen tight calf muscles and reduce pulling on the heel.
• Supportive shoes – Wearing proper footwear cushions the heel and improves foot alignment.
• Activity modification – Limiting high-impact activities prevents repeated stress while the area recovers.

Get Expert Care for Foot Pain Between Ankle and Heel

If foot pain between ankle and heel is slowing you down, expert care can help. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we focus on finding the cause of your pain and providing advanced, personalized treatment, close to home. Care is led by Dr. Payam Sarraf, DPM, a trusted foot and ankle surgeon serving Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ. He was named a 2024 PHOENIX Magazine Top Doctor and specializes in Achilles injuries, ankle trauma, reconstruction, pediatric foot care, and biomechanics. Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers is trusted by the Arizona community with a 4.9 Google rating. Book your appointment today:

• Call 480-812-3668
• Visit our locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ

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