Here at Foot & Ankle Wellness Center in Woodridge, IL, Dr. Leonard Vekkos works with you to develop ways to put your feet first. After all, the constant weight-bearing and activity that they endure often cause a few problems over time. Fortunately, for our patients, our podiatrist alleviates heel pain through conservative treatments depending on the cause.
What Is Causing Your Heel Pain?
Common causes for this issue include:
- Plantar fasciitis, which develops when placing too much pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Overpronation, when the foot rolls inward, the edge of your heel hits the ground first, rolling into the arch, causing injury.
- Heel Spurs, which are calcium deposits that form as a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone.
How We Can Help Alleviate Your Heel Pain
Dr. Vekkos helps patients find relief from heel pain once he traces the cause of inflammation. During a physical foot examination at our Woodridge office, he may ask about your level of physical activity, if pain increases when getting out of bed in the morning, and further address your symptoms and concerns. We may then recommend conservative treatments such as ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic shoe devices, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.
Additionally, advances in the treatment of heel pain offered by Dr. Vekkos and The Foot & Ankle Wellness Center include a new Class 4 Laser developed to assist the body to heal and improve circulation. D. Vekkos has also investigated the effectiveness of stem cell therapy and now offers this therapy for heel pain that is performed in an office setting. These new technologies have enabled Dr. Vekkos to lower the need for surgical intervention in those heel pain patients previously unresponsive to past conservative treatment options.
When to Visit Foot & Ankle Wellness Center
You should visit Dr. Leonard Vekkos immediately if you experience severe heel pain after an injury, find it challenging to walk normally, or can't bend your foot downward. Other symptoms that shouldn't be left untreated include:
- Swelling near the heel or on the bottom of the foot
- Tingling, numbness, or fever while experiencing heel pain
- Chronic aching that doesn't go away with home treatment
To schedule an appointment at our office in Woodridge, IL, please call the Foot & Ankle Wellness Center at (630) 852-8522.