A podiatrist can dissolve warts painlessly with topical acid treatments or remove them surgically. Heel pain is usually caused by a walking stride that exerts excessive stress on the heel bone. Discomfort can also result from poorly made shoes, obesity, a stress fracture of the heel bone, bruises of the fat pad under the heel, or a disease such as rheumatism or gout. Orthotic devices may absorb some of the impact on the heels. Surgery may be necessary as a last resort if heel pain is severe.
Heel spurs refer to heel pain due to bone irritation.
A ligament or muscle may be pulled from the heel. If cortisone, taping, and orthotics don't work, surgery may be necessary. Your feet bear the brunt of all the time and pressure you put on them every day, but proper footwear can reduce foot problems. Children, women, men, and athletes all have different shoe requirements, which vary considerably across a wide range of activities. When a child begins to walk, shoes are generally not necessary.