Lots of Americans are complaining of heel pain. How do you know it's time to see your podiatrists, Dr. Brandon James and Dr. Sarah James of Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, for heel pain in New Braunfels, TX?
Causes of Heel Pain
Foot conditions affecting your bones, muscles, and ligaments may cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis, a foot condition affecting a ligament in your foot, is a common cause of heel pain. Other conditions that could be causing your heel pain include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Stress fracture
- Haglund's deformity
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Heel spurs
- Heel bursitis
- Stress fracture
- Osteoporosis
When to See a Podiatrist For Heel Pain
Managing heel pain at home with rest and anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce your discomfort. However, you should see your podiatrist if the pain persists even after rest. Signs that you should schedule a consultation with your podiatrist for heel pain in New Braunfels, TX, include:
- Heel pain while resting
- Pain persisting even after resting for few days
- Swelling
- Pins and needles sensation
- Trouble walking
- Infection signs such as redness, warmth, and fever
Diagnosing the Cause of Heel Pain
Getting the right treatment for your heel begins with an accurate diagnosis. Your podiatrist will examine your foot and perform an X-ray to see what's going on. Once your podiatrist identifies the cause of your heel pain, you can begin treatment.
Your podiatrist develops a treatment plan that typically begins with conservative therapies. Treatment may be anti-inflammatory agents such as medication, ice packs, and corticosteroid injections. Other treatments include custom orthotic devices, new shoes, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT).
Some foot problems causing heel pain may require surgery to improve. Your podiatrist will communicate the kind of surgery you need and how it can help relieve your heel pain.
If you find that heel pain won't give you relief despite your best efforts at home, you're due for a visit to your podiatrist's office. Call (830) 387-4427 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Brandon James and Dr. Sarah James of Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, to relieve your heel pain in New Braunfels, TX.