Not sure which one you have? That is exactly what an exam settles. Book a real appointment time online, 24/7 — Howell or Bloomfield Township. Takes about a minute, 24/7.
Watch: How To Cure Plantar Fasciitis FAST & FOREVER [Heel Pain & Heel Spurs] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
Heel Pain — Bottom vs Back
Quick Answer: Bottom heel pain usually = plantar fasciitis or fat pad. Back heel pain usually = Achilles tendinitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, or Haglund’s deformity. Different anatomy, different treatment.
Location Matters
Insertional Achilles vs mid-portion vs retrocalcaneal bursitis all live in the back heel. Plantar fasciitis vs fat pad atrophy live in the bottom heel.
FAQ
Can I have both?
Yes — runners and dancers commonly develop both at once.
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Top Pain Relief & Recovery Products (Podiatrist-Audited)
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel (Topical)
★★★★½ 4.6/5 — 6,500+ reviews
Pros: Natural ingredients; cold-then-warm action; pleasant scent; cycling-team approved
Cons: Doesn’t last as long as some prescription topicals; pricier than generic
Dr. Tom’s Tip: My favorite topical for chronic foot/ankle pain. Apply 2-3x daily. Combines well with shockwave therapy.
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Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Topical NSAID)
★★★★½ 4.6/5 — 65,000+ reviews
Pros: OTC topical NSAID (diclofenac); FDA-approved; minimal systemic absorption
Cons: 4x daily application; takes 1-2 weeks for full effect; not for acute injury
Dr. Tom’s Tip: Excellent for foot arthritis and chronic plantar fasciitis. Far safer than oral NSAIDs.
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Strassburg Sock (Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint)
★★★★½ 4.4/5 — 4,500+ reviews
Pros: Comfortable enough to sleep in; effective passive stretch; durable
Cons: Less rigid than rigid splints; takes adjustment week
Dr. Tom’s Tip: What I prescribe to most PF patients. Wear for 4-6 weeks consistent. Eliminates morning first-step pain.
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