When Should I Be Concerned About Heel Pain?

Does your heel hurt? Your podiatrist in Suffolk and Norfolk, VA, Dr. Jesse Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates, can determine the source of your pain and offer helpful treatments.

Is it time to talk to your Suffolk and Norfolk foot doctor about your heel pain?

It's not always easy to figure out when you should call your podiatrist about your pain. Although minor problems can get better on their own, it's a good idea to get in touch with your foot doctor if you experience any of these issues:

• Severe Pain: Don't wait to call if you're in severe pain. Pain is a warning sign and should never be ignored.
• Difficulty Walking: Pain and trouble walking could be caused by several foot and ankle conditions, including fractures and sprains. If walking is painful and difficult, you can't put any weight on your heel, or you can't walk on your toes or bend your foot, don't hesitate to make a call to the podiatry office.
• Lingering Pain: If you're still in pain after a week or two, it's time to visit the foot doctor.
• Fever and Other Symptoms: Call if your heel pain is accompanied by a fever or if you notice tingling or numbness in your heel.
• Change in Appearance: Get in touch with the podiatrist right away if you have pain and notice that your heel is swollen or misshapen.

What causes heel pain?

You could have pain in your heel for many reasons. Common causes include:

• Injuries: Injuries are a common cause of heel pain. You might have fractured your heel after a jump, torn the Achilles tendon at the back of your heel during a run, or irritated the bursa that helps the tendon glide easily.
• Plantar Fasciitis: An inflammation in the band of connective tissue that stretches between the toes and heel bone could be responsible for the stabbing pain in your heel. If you have plantar fasciitis, your pain will be worse when you first walk in the morning or after walking or standing following a period of inactivity.
• Stone Bruise: Stepping on a hard object or wearing shoes without enough padding in the heel could have caused a bruise under your heel.
• Heel Spur: Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form under your heel bone. Walking puts painful pressure on the deposits.

Your Suffolk and Norfolk, VA, podiatrist, Dr. Anderson of AAL Podiatry Associates, can help you manage your heel pain no matter what the cause. Call (757) 625-2962 to reach the Norfolk office or (757) 539-2098 to contact the Suffolk office.