Should you turn to a podiatrist if you are experiencing heel pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems our Gainesville, VA, podiatrist Dr. Mukesh Bhakta sees. In fact, heel pain impacts more than 2 million men and women in the US each year. While minor heel pain may go away with rest and proper care, it’s also important to recognize when you may need to turn to a foot care professional for treatment.

If you are dealing with heel pain you may think you can handle it on your own, and if the pain is minor you may be able to; however, you should turn to our Gainesville, VA, podiatrist right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms,

• Severe heel pain
• Severe swelling
• Issues moving or bending the foot
• Difficulty walking or you’re unable to put weight on the foot
• Numbness of the foot
• An open sore that won’t heal

Any heel pain that occurs as a result of an injury or accident requires immediate attention from a qualified foot care professional. While you won’t require urgent care, it’s still a good idea to see us if your heel pain persists even at rest or if you are dealing with heel pain for several days and it doesn’t seem to be alleviated with rest and home care.

What will a podiatrist do?

We will first examine the foot and ask you questions regarding the pain. Your answers will provide us with insight into what might be going on. In most cases, an inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis if often to blame. While this condition isn’t usually a cause for concern, it can become chronic if left untreated or if not properly treated, which is why it’s always best to turn to our podiatric staff for immediate care.

Once we’ve determined the cause of your heel pain we can provide you with a variety of treatment options. Some ways to ease heel pain include,

• Limiting activities and getting ample rest
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
• Steroid injections (for more severe cases)
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics & orthopedic shoes
• Shockwave therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Surgery (only in rare cases)

If you are dealing with severe or recurring heel pain, we have an offices in Gainesville, VA, to better serve you and your foot needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhakta at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, call (703) 753-3338.