Find out more about heel pain and why it occurs.
If you woke up with heel pain, you might need to ditch the morning run for the next few weeks. Heel pain is one of the most common problems people face, and our Houston, TX, podiatrists can quickly help you determine the cause of your pain and how to best treat it.
What Causes Heel Pain?
One of the most common causes is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs the length of your feet, connecting the toes to your heel bone. This ligament also provides support for the arches of the feet. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or overstretched, this results in heel pain that originates at the bottom of the heel.
Of course, plantar fasciitis isn’t the only cause of heel pain. Other causes include,
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Heel spur
- Bursitis
- Certain types of arthritis
If you’ve ever had plantar fasciitis before, you will most likely be able to tell whether this is causing your heel pain. Of course, those who’ve never had heel pain before should turn to our Houston, TX, team to find out what’s happening.
Can I Treat Heel Pain on My Own?
Most people opt for rest and home care, especially when heel pain first appears. Usually, if symptoms are mild enough, this may be all you need to get your pain under control until everything heals. Home care for your heel pain should include,
- Avoiding running or any exercises and activities that could exacerbate your heel pain
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain
- Icing the heel up to 20 minutes at a time
- Wearing properly fitted and cushioned shoes that provide your arches with ample support
- Stretching your feet and calves several times a day
When Should I Turn to a Podiatrist?
It’s also important to understand when you can care for your heel pain on your own and when you might need to turn to our foot doctors for more aggressive and specialized care. Mild heel pain may be easy enough to handle on your own, but you should see us right away if,
- Your heel pain is severe
- You experience severe swelling around the heel
- You develop a fever along with your heel pain
- You also notice numbness or tingling in the heel
- You have trouble putting weight on the foot, or you have limited mobility
Along with recommending certain home care measures, a podiatrist can provide you with additional treatment options, including splinting, bracing, custom orthotics, steroid injections, shockwave therapy and even surgery to address all causes and severities of heel pain.
With offices in Chimney Rock, Memorial City, Katy, Willowbrook and Woodlands, TX, Podiatry Associates of Houston makes getting the foot care you need easier than ever. If you are dealing with heel pain that isn’t improving with home care, call us at (713) 666-0287, (713) 467-1299, (281) 579-0186, (832) 912-7792 or (281) 849-9891.