If you're like so many other Americans, you've got a nagging heel pain that won't go away. You've looked up home remedies on Google, but none of them seem to be working. You begin to wonder if pain is a necessary part of your life. Here are five possible causes of your heel pain.

1. You need a proper medical diagnosis

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis - the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes. You may have it if:

• you hate getting out of bed in the morning because those first few steps are excruciating.  
• you have pain after exercise rather than during it 
• rising from a long period of sitting feels like stepping on needles. 

If left untreated, it can lead to bigger issues that can impact daily activities like walking, running, and even standing.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, but it is not the only one. Consider any recent activities that may have resulted in heel trauma. Without further examination, a bone fracture caused by a trip or fall can be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. 

Your podiatrist must rule out any other possible causes. Only a medical professional will be able to identify the source of your pain.

2. Your treatments are too conservative

If surgery is the most aggressive option, at-home remedies are the polar opposite. These are simple treatments that can be found with a simple Google search. If you search for "how to get rid of heel pain," you may find many different treatments. It would be great if you've found some useful tips, such as stretching your calves, icing after exercise, and changing your shoes. These options can potentially relieve pain and effectively treat plantar fasciitis in those with mild cases. If you're reading this and still have heel pain in the morning or throughout the day, you're probably dealing with a more serious case of heel pain and need more than a home remedy.

Your podiatrist may advise you on some non-surgical treatments like cortisone injections, shockwave therapies, custom orthotics, and night splints. Although surgery is uncommon, it is used as a last resort when all other treatments have failed. 

3. You’re not following your podiatrist-prescribed treatment plan

We've all been there, and done that! Didn't the dentist tell you to floss every day? You were more like flossing the week before and after your appointment. 'Do these stretches at home,' said the physical therapist. And you've done them the first day, but life got in the way and you forgot! It happens to everyone.

The doctor cannot help you if you do not follow their instructions. If your pain persists, ask yourself, "Have I done everything the doctor told me to do?"

4. You’re still wearing low-quality insoles

Not all shoe inserts are the same. A custom orthotic made by your podiatrist is the best option for not only relieving pain but also correcting one of the most common underlying causes of plantar fasciitis. Low-quality insoles are usually sold at your local pharmacy or big box store and are made of inexpensive "memory foam" materials. These insoles provide a sense of comfort and cushioning, temporarily relieving pain, but they do not provide long-term support. Soon enough your feet will be cushionless and unsupported again.

5. You believe you are stuck with it forever

Heel pain is not everlasting and should never force you to stop doing what you enjoy. Don't give up if you feel you've tried everything. You are not alone. Many patients were using orthotics from the 'Good Feet Store' or informed the podiatrist about a long history of failed pain management. Speak with your heel pain specialist and have faith that they will help you go back to living a happy, healthy, and pain-free life.