What is Causing My Heel Pain?

What is Causing My Heel Pain?

The most commonly reported type of foot-related discomfort is heel pain according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. If you work on your feet or walk long distances each day, it can become more than just a minor nuisance. Heel pain can take you out of theHeel Pain game, literally, if you’re an athlete. The best way to deal with heel pain is to seek help from a foot doctor. Helpful treatments are available at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Chandler, AZ.

What Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain is often felt on the bottom of the back of the foot where the bone hits the ground when you walk. The heels can be aggravated by wearing shoes that don’t offer enough support to both the heel and the arch of the foot. Heel pain is often associated with a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the ligament that supports the bottom of the foot. Strain on the ligament causes irritation of the heel bone, which causes stinging or aching pain, and may also cause the development of bone spurs.

Heel Pain Treatments
One of the first treatments your Chandler, AZ podiatrist may suggest is time for your feet to rest. Heel pain will worsen if you continue your usual routine and activities without treatment. In addition to rest, these therapies may help:

- Custom orthotics that provide much-needed arch support.
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
- Padding on the heel for cushioning to reduce the pain of calluses.
- Physical therapy for the feet.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT).

Stop Heel Pain Before It Starts
Because you use your feet so often, close to 5,000 steps per day on average according to a Stanford University study, you might not immediately recognize the stress you’re putting on them. Take these steps to stop heel pain before it starts:

- Examine the shoes that you wear on most days and consider if they may be causing heel pain.
- Give your feet of rest after a long day, stretching, massaging, and soaking them to rejuvenate them before the next day.
- Wear the custom orthotics created by your Chandler, AZ foot doctor every day, especially when you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.

Take Care of Your Feet 
Don’t let worsening heel pain stop you from carrying on with your normal activities and daily exercises. Call 480-732-0033 today to schedule an appointment at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Chandler, AZ for a heel exam and treatment.