While your feet are strong, too much stress can lead to pain, which most often affects the heel. Heel pain is a common foot and ankle problem that can develop from any number of causes. Vito La Puma, DPM and the experienced team at Healthy Step Podiatry, with an office in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City, uses the most advanced technology in the podiatric industry to accurately determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and provide the most effective treatment. Call the office today or request an appointment online.
What is heel pain?
Heel pain refers to any discomfort you feel in the front, back, or bottom of your heel. Your heel is the largest bone in your foot and, like all the other bones, vulnerable to injury and pain. Abnormalities in your gait are the most common cause of heel pain because an irregular step may place too much pressure on the bone and the surrounding soft tissue.
If you’re experiencing heel pain, call Healthy Step Podiatry today for an evaluation so you can get relief from your discomfort and get back to your daily activities.
What are the common causes of heel pain?
Heel pain has a number of causes. Common causes include:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Your plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that attaches your heel to your toes. Too much stress from activities such as running or jumping may lead to tears in the tissue that can cause inflammation and pain.
Heel spur
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that develops when the muscle or tendon on your heel repeatedly tears away from the bone, resulting in the spur.
Achilles tendinitis
Pain in the back of your heel often results from Achilles tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the thick tendon. You may be vulnerable to developing Achilles tendinitis if you walk or run a lot.
Excessive pronation
Excessive pronation refers to an excessive inward motion of the ligaments and tendons in your foot while you’re walking.
You may also develop heel pain from arthritis, a bone bruise, or bursitis.
What is the treatment for heel pain?
Treatment for your heel pain is individualized and based on the underlying cause of your pain. The team at Healthy Step Podiatry has the most advanced diagnostic tools in the podiatric industry and can provide an accurate diagnosis so you get the most effective treatment.
Treatment for your heel pain may include:
- Rest and ice
- Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medication
- Taping
- Custom-made orthotics
- Radial shockwave therapy
- Radio-frequency therapy
- Cryotherapy or cryosurgery
- Multiwave locked system laser therapy
Your specialist at Healthy Step Podiatry may also refer you to physical therapy to help improve your gait and minimize your risk of a recurrence of your heel pain.
Heel pain is common, but with the specialists at Healthy Step Podiatry, you can get relief. Call the office today or request an appointment online.