What Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain can be excruciating and can diminish your ability to move around and stay active. It’s also a common problem that can develop suddenly or grow worse over time. Your podiatrist can help. Dr. Mahmoud Salem and Dr. Christina Davison at Salem Foot And Ankle Specialists provide a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of heel pain. They have two convenient office locations in Salem, and Bedford, VA.
What You Need To Know About Heel Pain
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of heel pain:
- A heel bruise, caused by stepping on hard or sharp stones
- A heel spur, caused by hard deposits forming on your heel
- A chronic medical condition, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes, which can cause neuropathy and bone degeneration
- Plantar fasciitis, caused by severe foot stress, rolling your feet when you walk, walking or standing on hard surfaces, being overweight, or wearing unsupportive shoes
If you suffer from mild, occasional heel pain, you may be able to treat it yourself if you:
- Take over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Elevate your feet to relieve stress on your feet and heels
If you have moderate to severe heel pain, or heel pain that doesn’t respond to home therapies, you need to visit your podiatrist. Common professional treatments for heel pain that your podiatrist may recommend include:
- Custom-fit orthotics, to support and cushion your heels
- Physical therapy, to maintain flexibility and mobility
- Night splints, to maintain proper foot alignment and relieve heel stress
- Cortisone injections, to reduce heel swelling
- Prescription medication, to reduce inflammation and pain
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) to break up hard deposits on your heel
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the causes and treatments of heel pain, call Dr. Salem and Dr. Davison at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists. You can reach them in both the Salem and Bedford, VA, offices by calling (540) 982-0253, so call today.