Of all the foot conditions one can develop, heel pain is by far the most common. Not only are there many causes of heel pain, your heel bone is the largest bone in your foot. This makes you extremely susceptible to pain, whether in the front, back, or bottom of the heel. Fortunately, the podiatrists at Alpine Foot Specialists are able to take care of your feet through a variety of treatments available.
Causes
Depending on the exact condition, the cause of your heel pain will vary. Traditionally, we find that heel pain can be traced back to abnormalities in your gait. We see patients that place an immense amount of stress on their heel bone when walking, leading to this pain. Additionally, those that suffer a foot injury, and then exacerbate the injury can experience heel pain. Shoes that do not support your heel, such as flip-flops can also contribute to heel pain.
Potential Conditions
If you are experiencing heel pain, see your podiatrist right away. There are many different conditions that can be associated with heel pain, so it is important to get a correct diagnosis. The most common condition is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. If plantar fasciitis is not the culprit, potential causes include heel spurs, excessive pronation, Achilles tendinitis, soft tissue growth, and more.
Treatment
Once your podiatrist has determined the cause of your heel pain, the next phase is treatment. With foot conditions, much depends on how extreme the injury is. Conditions that are not too aggravated can often be treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and maybe custom orthotics. As the degree of the injury increases, so does the level of treatment. There are both non-invasive and invasive surgeries available to those that need that level of repair.
To ensure proper treatment and prompt diagnosis, it is important to contact a podiatrist when you experience heel pain. Schedule an appointment with Alpine Foot Specialists today!
Courtesy of: APMA