We Provide Treatment for Heel Pain
Many people suffer from excruciating heel pain. They cannot stand-up, walk, go to work, or even go to the bathroom without screaming out in pain because of their heel(s). Most people assume that pain in their feet is normal because they spend so much time on their feet.
While there are more than a dozen reasons why your heel(s) could be hurting, Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. Often you will hear people say, "Your heels hurt, you must have heel spurs," maybe - but maybe not. As a rule of thumb, heel spurs DO NOT hurt.
Schedule an appointment today and we will help you find the cause of your heel pain.
stress or pressure
Heel pain is often the result of too much stress or pressure on the ligaments that support the foot. There are two structures located on the sole of the foot that are most often associated with heel pain: the plantar fascia ligament and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle.
Causes of Heel Pain
Pain can also be the result of repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. The same physical activities that cause conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs contribute to heel pain. Other significant factors that contribute to the development of heel pain include:
- Mechanical deficiencies that cause gait abnormalities
- Tight calf muscles that limit ankle flexibility
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor shoe choice
- Activities that demand extended time on your feet
Other common causes of heel pain include the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Spurs
- Excessive Pronation
- Achilles Tendinitis
Treatment of Heel Pain
There are various treatment methods available to relieve heel pain. Most people will start with home remedies, such as ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation. But, when heel pain persists for more than a month or two and home remedies are no longer sufficient, you should contact your podiatrist. He or she will likely recommend one or more of the the following non-invasive treatments:
- Custom orthotics
- Various stretching exercises
- Shoe replacement
- Padding
- Physical therapy
Most cases of heel pain can be treated with conservative methods, but anti-inflammatory medications or injections may also be recommended. These medications not only reduce pain, but inflammation too.
Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain
Simply put, orthotic devices are pads that are placed into a pair of shoes to reduce and eliminate heel pain. However, many heel pain sufferers resort to over-the-counter orthotics that are not designed to treat the cause of heel pain. That’s because non-custom orthotics are simply designed to add cushioning for worn out shoes; they do not have specific design features that address the root cause of heel pain.
The mechanical properties of custom foot orthotics help to ensure the correct positioning of the bones in the feet, ankles and knees. The muscles and ligaments leading up to the hips and holding the leg bones in place are prevented from stretching over time, which can lead to further injury and aggravation. Custom orthotics can also reduce muscular fatigue and may help to promote more efficient muscle performance.
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Contact your ANP Foot & Ankle Clinic for more information about heel pain.
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