Heal Pain
There are many potential causes of heel pain, including heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. No matter why your heel hurts, you can count on the highly experienced doctors of podiatric medicine at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio in Mentor, Chardon, Westlake, Bedford and Garfield Heights, Ohio, for help. Book an appointment online or by phone today.
Heel Pain Q & A
Why does heel pain happen?
Your heel can be particularly vulnerable to pain because it has to support your whole body with every move you make. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendonitis
- Fracture
Sometimes the heel pain results from heel-bone malformation or accelerated growth. Haglund deformity, a condition in which you develop a large bump on the back of the heel, and Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis), a disease in which a child’s heel bone grows more quickly than its support tissues, are two examples of this.
What is the treatment for heel pain?
Heel-pain treatment depends on the cause of your heel pain, your symptoms, and your specific needs. The most common treatments for heel pain include:
- Orthotics – custom shoe inserts to relieve pressure and realign your heel
- Cortisone injections – injections to alleviate swelling and encourage healing
- PRP injections – PRP injections use your own blood platelets to speed recovery
- Night splints – night splints realign your heel and encourage healing while you sleep
- Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy – minimally invasive surgery for plantar fasciitis
Your Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio podiatrist will review all of your heel-pain treatment options with you to help you find a solution that gives you maximum relief.
What can I do to protect against heel pain in the future?
A few lifestyle changes can help you avoid a recurrence of heel pain. Some of the changes that your podiatrist might recommend include:
- Wearing shoes with a sturdy sole and heel
- Avoiding high heels as much as possible
- Doing custom feet and leg exercises
- Wearing protective equipment during sports
- Resting your feet after standing or exercising for a long period
Although you can’t always prevent heel pain, there’s no reason that you have to live with it. As soon as you notice the first sign that your heel pain is back, see your podiatrist.
If your heels are hurting and you need relief now, reach out to the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio. Book through the online appointment maker or by phone today.