What causes heel pain?
You have more than two dozen bones in each of your feet and ankles, and your heel bone is the largest.
But just because you feel pain in or around your heel bone while walking or standing, doesn’t necessarily mean your heel bone is injured. It’s also possible to have weakened or injured tendons, ligaments or even nerves, to name a few.
Whether your heel pain is chronic or tends to flare up occasionally, like after periods of inactivity, it could be related to:
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Haglund’s deformity
- Strains and sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Corns or calluses
- Stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel fissures
- Heel bursitis
- Heel spurs
- Arthritis
If a foot wound is causing your heel pain, it can lead to a seriously ulcerated infection if you have diabetes.
Do I need to see a podiatrist for heel pain?
Yes! Not only can heel pain affect every step you take, but it can also become so debilitating it starts affecting your work, exercise routine, sports performance, or even daily activities. Dr. Rosenblum encourages you to come into Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic if your heel pain is:
- Associated with burning, numbness, or tingling
- Worsening or not improving within a few days
- Linked to redness, bruising, or tenderness
With on-site X-ray and imaging available at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic, Dr. Rosenblum can often diagnose you on the spot and talk with you about all possible treatment options.
What are the treatment options for heel pain?
Your heel pain treatment plan is centered on pain relief. But Dr. Rosenblum also incorporates solutions to promote healing and relieve inflammation. Depending on the underlying cause of your heel pain, your treatment plan can include:
- Night splints
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Corn or callus removal
- Splinting, casting, or bracing
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Occasionally, surgery is the best solution to treat heel pain. If you need surgery to repair bones or damaged tissues, release rigid connective tissues, or remove damaged tissues, Dr. Rosenblum uses minimally invasive measures so that you can have a faster recovery.
Get relief from your heel pain by booking an exam at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic today. Schedule online or call the office directly to book a visit.
