What is heel pain?
Heel pain is any type of discomfort that affects the back or underside of your heel. Some people experience pain that’s dull and throbbing, while others experience pain that’s sharp and stabbing. Heel pain usually doesn’t point to a more serious health problem, but it can significantly interfere with your quality of life and your ability to participate in simple activities like taking a walk or climbing a flight of stairs.
What are some common causes of heel pain?
The two most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. However, there are a variety of other problems that can trigger heel pain, including:
- Bone tumors
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Heel spurs
- Bursitis
You might also develop heel pain as a result of peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
When should I see a doctor regarding heel pain?
Oftentimes, mild or moderate heel pain subsides on its own with conservative measures of at-home care, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol), wearing padded, comfortable shoes, or taking over-the-counter medications. However, if your pain persists or gets worse, it’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Stepensky at Fit Feet Podiatry.
You should also make an appointment with Dr. Stepensky if you experience heel pain that occurs when you aren’t walking or standing or heel pain that’s associated with a fever or numbness in your heel.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
To diagnose heel pain, Dr. Stepensky reviews your medical history, asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and performs a thorough physical exam. He might also take a series of X-rays and ask you to walk around the exam room, rotate your heel, or place light pressure on your affected heel. These activities can provide him with a better idea of where your discomfort originates.
How is heel pain treated?
Whenever possible, Dr. Stepensky uses conservative, integrative treatments to relieve heel pain. Depending on your symptoms, he might recommend rest and ice therapy, physical therapy, custom orthotics, or steroid injections.
If these methods of care don’t relieve your symptoms, you may benefit from treatment with the Zimmer enPulsPro extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) system. This method of care addresses heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Stepensky typically recommends four treatment sessions spaced one week apart. Each session takes only five minutes, and there’s no downtime involved. What’s more, this treatment boasts an 80-85% success rate.
Don’t put off podiatric treatment for heel pain–call to make an appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry or click the online booking tool today.
