Your heel carries the burden of your body's weight when you stand and walk. So heel pain can significantly disrupt your life if you cannot avoid using your heel all day. According to Dr. Larry Goldstein of Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA, if your heel pain is mild to moderate, the cause and symptoms may be able to be resolved with rest and ice therapy. However, if the heel pain feels like you’ve stepped on a rock or there are needles stabbing your heel, it is in your best interest to see a podiatrist, especially if any of the following is true -
- You Experience Chronic/Severe Heel Pain - Intense heel pain or swelling warrants a visit to a podiatrist – because, without medical guidance, your condition could become worse.
- The Pain Started from an Injury, which may manifest as -
- A stress fracture – a tiny crack in your bone, often caused by overuse/repetitive force.
- Achilles tendonitis – an inflamed Achilles tendon.
- Plantar fasciitis – an inflamed plantar fascia (fibrous tissue along the foot’s sole).
- Even When Resting, Your Heel Hurts —If your heel hurts even when you’re lying or sitting down —when you have taken the pressure off the area entirely — then you should see a foot doctor or podiatrist.
- The Heel Pain is Not the Only Symptom —If your heel pain is accompanied by fever, numbness, or tingling, see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
How Can a Podiatrist Provide Heel Pain Relief?
The exact podiatric treatment plan will vary, depending on the cause of the heel pain, but may include one or more of the following -
- Stretching exercises.
- Physical therapy.
- Custom-made orthotics.
- Recommendation of footwear.
- Night splints/walking casts.
- Regenerative Medicine
- Shockwave Therapy
Heel Pain Prevention
You can help to proactively manage the prevention by -
- Wearing supportive, comfortable footwear that is suitable for what you are doing.
- Doing daily foot stretches.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Visiting a podiatrist regularly if you have diabetes or arthritis.
Contact Your Local Warner Robins, GA, Podiatrist for Heel Pain Relief
For more information, contact Dr. Goldstein or a staff member of Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA, at 478-328-2008. We look forward to helping you move pain-free again.