Heel pain can interfere with your daily routine and make simple activities like walking or standing difficult and uncomfortable. Left untreated, heel pain could become progressively worse or lead to additional foot problems. Dr. Joseph Disabato, the board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Charlottesville, VA, treats heel pain and can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain can be the result of several different factors. It could be due to an injury or participating in running or other concussive sports. Heel pain can also be caused by wearing shoes with inadequate support or spending extended periods on the feet. Another possible cause of heel pain is walking with an irregular step pattern or gait, which could put too much stress and strain on the heels. Additional causes include structural issues, such as high arches or flat feet, and carrying excess weight.
One of the most common causes of pain in the heels is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Tissues called plantar fascia run along the bottom of each foot from the heel to the toes. These tissues provide shock absorption for the feet. However, constant pressure and repeated stretching, as well as excessive wear and tear, can irritate the plantar fascia tissues and cause them to become inflamed. Inflammation of these tissues is what causes pain and discomfort in the heels.
Treatments for Heel Pain
It is important to seek treatment for heel pain to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue or from leading to additional foot problems. If the pain is due to an injury, seeking treatment is the best way to ensure the injury heals correctly to avoid persistent pain and discomfort.
The skilled foot and ankle surgeon at our office in Charlottesville, VA, treats heel pain using a variety of methods. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of your heel pain. Examples of common treatment options for heel pain include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Resting and icing the heels
- Removable walking cast
- Padding and strapping
- Compression wraps
- Stretching exercises
- Custom orthotics
- Night splints
- Surgery
If you have heel pain it is best to see a foot doctor who can determine the cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. For the treatment of heel pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Disabato by calling Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associate in Charlottesville, VA today. Call for more information today at (434) 977-8040 for the office in Charlottesville, VA.