What is heel pain?
Heel pain refers to any stiffness, swelling, or discomfort that affects the bottom, back of your foot. Each of your feet has 33 joints and 26 bones. Your heel bone is the largest of these bones and provides critical support for the weight of your upper body.
Common causes of heel pain include injury, overuse, and general wear-and-tear. Though most heel pain responds to at-home treatments, if your symptoms persist, contact the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, right away.
When should I contact a podiatrist about heel pain?
Most cases of heel pain respond well to conservative measures of care like rest, ice, and elevation. Certain symptoms indicate a more serious problem. Contact the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, if your heel pain is:
- Severe
- Comes on suddenly
- Associated with redness
- Negatively affecting your mobility
You should also contact the team if you experience bruising or swelling.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
To diagnose heel pain, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and physically examines your foot, heel, and ankle. The team looks for signs of redness, swelling, and warmth.
They also have you stand up and walk around the exam room, rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, and perform a series of strength and range of motion exercises.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, they order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your foot.
How is heel pain treated?
Treatment of heel pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Typically, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, recommends conservative treatments like rest, icing your heel, and wearing padded, comfortable shoes.
If your heel pain persists or gets worse, the team might recommend physical therapy, custom orthotics, or lifestyle modifications like exercising more frequently and losing weight.
Usually, these measures are enough to provide relief. However, if your heel pain persists, the team might recommend surgery.
Don’t let heel pain prevent you from living an active lifestyle. Receive treatment at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, by booking an appointment online or calling the nearest office today.
