Does heel pain keep you off your feet? If so, Dr. Muskesh Bhakta, your podiatrist at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center in Gainesville, VA, can help determine the cause of your pain and offer treatments that will ease your symptoms!

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain has many different causes, including:

• Bruises: Painful bruises can develop on the bottom of your heel if you step on a hard object or wear shoes that don't adequately cushion and support your foot.
• Fractures: Accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause bone fractures in your heel.
• Plantar Fasciitis: This common cause of heel pain occurs when the plantar fascia, the tough band of tissue that connects your heels to your toes, becomes inflamed.
• Plantar Calluses: Painful calluses may form on your heels if your shoes or socks don't fit properly or if the bones in your feet aren't the same length.
• Inflammation: Inflammation in your Achilles tendon or its surrounding areas may also cause heel pain.

How can my Gainesville podiatrist help me?

Your podiatrist offers several different types of treatments that can be helpful if you have heel pain, including:

• Orthotics and Heel Cups: Orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that improve the alignment of your foot, support your arches, and add an extra layer of cushioning. Heel cups are placed in the heel section of shoes to improve alignment and decrease pressure on the affected areas. Orthotics and heel cups may be recommended if you have plantar fasciitis, a stone bruise, Achilles tendonitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and other conditions.
• Corticosteroid Injections: These injections are used to decrease pain and inflammation.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: Your foot doctor directs shockwaves at your heel to relieve inflammation and pain during this therapy.
• Night Splints: Wearing specially made splints at night can be beneficial if you have plantar fasciitis. The splints help lengthen and stretch the tight fascia.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy improves flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support your heel and ankle. Therapy can also help stretch your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
• Surgery: Surgery is usually only recommended if more conservative treatments don't relieve your symptoms.

Give us a call!

Don't let heel pain change your life! Call your Gainesville, VA, podiatrist, Dr. Muskesh Bhakta, at (703) 753-3338 to schedule an appointment at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center!