Services
Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain
Sharp heel pain, sore arches, and tight or torn Achilles tendons. We find the cause and get you walking comfortably again. Available at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.
About heel, Achilles, and arch pain
Understanding heel, Achilles, and arch pain, and how we help.
Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain care is offered at 15 Neuhaus Foot & Ankle clinics across Middle Tennessee. Choose a clinic near you at the end of this page.
The back of the foot takes a lot of load with every step. The heel bone, the arch, and the Achilles tendon all work together, and when one of them is strained, the pain can show up as a sore heel, a tight arch, or a stiff tendon behind the ankle.
This group covers the common causes of pain in the heel, arch, and back of the ankle, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendon problems, bursitis, and growth plate pain in children.
- Kids & adultswelcome at every clinic
- On site X-raysfor fast answers
- 15 clinicsacross Middle Tennessee
Conditions we treat
10 conditions we care for at every clinic.
Not sure which one you have? You do not need to know. We will find the cause.
- Heel Pain, Arch Pain & Morning Heel Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis & Chronic Plantar Fasciosis
- Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs)
- Achilles Tendinitis & Tendinosis (Insertional and Non-Insertional)
- Achilles Tendon Tears & Ruptures
- Retrocalcaneal & Plantar Heel Bursitis
- Haglund's Deformity ("Pump Bump")
- Heel Fat Pad Syndrome & Fat Pad Atrophy
- Calcaneal (Heel Bone) Stress Fractures
- Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Symptoms
Signs of heel, Achilles, and arch pain.
If you notice any of these signs, a visit can bring clear answers.
- 01
Sharp or stabbing pain under the heel, often worst with the first steps in the morning
- 02
An aching or pulling feeling along the arch
- 03
Pain, stiffness, or a thickened area on the Achilles tendon behind the ankle
- 04
A bump or rubbing at the back of the heel
- 05
A sudden pop or snap at the back of the ankle with trouble pushing off (a possible tendon tear)
Why it happens
Common causes of heel, Achilles, and arch pain.
- 01
Overuse from running, walking, or standing for long hours
- 02
Tight calf muscles or a tight Achilles tendon
- 03
Flat feet or high arches that put extra strain on the tissue
- 04
Worn out shoes or shoes with little support or a stiff back
- 05
Sudden jumps in activity or a change in training
- 06
Growth spurts in active children
Diagnosis and care
How we treat heel, Achilles, and arch pain.
Step 1 · Diagnosis
We ask when and where the pain happens, then press gently along the heel, arch, and tendon to find the sore spot. We watch how you stand and walk and check the strength and flexibility of your calf. When needed we take X-rays in the office and may order an ultrasound or MRI to look at tendons, the fascia, or a possible stress fracture.
Step 2 · Treatment
Most heel, arch, and Achilles problems get better without surgery. Care often includes calf and arch stretching, supportive shoes, heel lifts, custom orthotics, taping, and short courses of anti-inflammatory care. Night splints and walking boots give tissue time to calm down. For children with Sever's disease, we use heel cups, activity changes, and stretching so they can stay in the game.
If the pain has lasted for months, we can add cortisone injections, shockwave therapy, or regenerative options. A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, or a heel problem that does not respond to good care, may need surgery. Our foot and ankle surgeons explain every option and what recovery looks like before you decide.
Recovery
What to expect.
Many patients feel clearly better in a few weeks and return to normal activity in two to three months. Tendon problems and stubborn heel pain can take longer. A tendon repair needs a longer, planned recovery with a boot and guided rehab. Sticking with your stretches even after the pain fades helps keep it from returning.
When to book: See a podiatrist if heel or arch pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps you from normal activity, or you feel a pop or sudden weakness at the back of the ankle. Do not wait if you have diabetes.
Prevention
Tips to keep it from coming back.
- Stretch your calves and arches every day
- Wear supportive shoes and replace worn out ones
- Warm up before exercise and build up slowly
- Avoid going barefoot on hard floors
- Keep a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heel
Is heel pain the same as a heel spur?
Not always. A heel spur is a small bony growth that many people have with no pain. The pain usually comes from the inflamed tissue around it, most often plantar fasciitis.
Can an Achilles tendon problem heal without surgery?
Many can, especially tendinitis and small tears. A full rupture often needs surgery or a careful boot program. We help you choose.
Why does my child's heel hurt after sports?
Sever's disease is common during growth spurts. The growth plate in the heel gets irritated. It settles with rest, stretching, and support, and it does not cause lasting harm.
Where we treat it
Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain care at 15 clinics.
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Brentwood10644 Concord Road
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Clarksville1762 Memorial Dr
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Columbia1215 Hatcher Lane
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Cookeville120 Walnut Commons Lane, Suite A
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Gallatin179 Hancock St, Suite 300
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Goodlettsville824 Wren Rd
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Hermitage3901 Central Pike, Suite 353
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Lebanon430 West Main Street
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Mount Juliet2628 North Mount Juliet Road
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Murfreesboro536 N Thompson Ln, Suite F
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Nashville300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Pulaski306 South 7th Street
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Shelbyville120 Frank Martin Rd, Suite 200
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Smyrna693 President Pl, Suite 103
- Heel, Achilles & Arch Pain in Waverly110 Hillwood Drive