When To See a Podiatrist About Heel Pain

Find out how your Brick and Jackson, NJ, podiatrists can help you with your heel pain

The podiatrist at The Center for Foot and Ankle Medicine in Brick and Jackson is equipped with several years of experience and knowledge. Dr. Keith Rosenthal knows how to examine your feet and prescribe the proper course of treatment when it comes to resolving issues and problems, such as heel pain.

More about the heel

Heels are the largest bone in your foot and, despite its elaborate network of 33 joints, more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. When the fascia, a connective tissue that extends from the heel of the foot, is irritated or inflamed, you will start feeling pain.

There are several reasons for heel pain, like injuries, such as bruises, incurred during light or intense activities: walking, running, excessive jumping, or jumping on hard surfaces. People suffer from heel pain because of wearing improperly fitted or worn down footwear; and being overweight or obese can contribute to your foot pain.

Other causes of heel pain

• Heel Spurs
• Gout
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Collagen disorders
• Nerve injuries
• Heel bone abnormalities
• Tumors
  
  

Caring for Heel Pain and Treatment

1. Take medications according to your podiatrist's orders to help reduce inflammation.
2. Put your feet in ice water so that your whole heel is completely immersed, but avoid if you're diabetic.
3. Stretch your feet, and avoid rigorous sports and exercises.
4. Wear comfortable shoes made of soft rubber.
   
   

There are many treatment options available, some more conservative than others:

• Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotic devices
• Physical therapy
• Heel Surgery

Need to speak with a podiatrist?

For more information about heel pain, contact Dr. Keith Rosenthal of The Center for Foot and Ankle Medicine at (732) 833-2800 and (732) 477-0441. His office is conveniently located in Brick and Jackson, NJ, for when you're ready to schedule an appointment with him.