Don't Ignore Your Heel Pain

Heel pain can make it difficult to perform routine activities, such as walking or standing for extended periods. Depending on how severe the heel pain, it might even prevent you from participating in some activities, such as working out. The good news is several options are available for treating heel pain. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan for you based on the cause and severity of your heel pain. At AAL Podiatry Associates, Dr. Jesse Anderson is your podiatrist for the treatment of heel pain in Norfolk, PA, and Suffolk, VA.
 

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain can be the result of many different factors. Performing repetitive motions can cause heel pain due to the repeated strain and stress those motions put on the feet. Other causes of heel pain include:

• Heel spurs
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress fractures
• Foot injuries
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis

Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are some of the most common causes of heel pain. The two conditions often occur in conjunction with one another. Heel spurs are actually calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heels. The pressure and impact of every step you take can cause the heel spurs to get press into the heel, which can lead to extensive discomfort and pain.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition affecting the plantar fascia tissues that run along the bottom of the feet. When those tissues become irritated and inflamed, pain can be felt along the arch of the foot and at the bottom of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is more likely to develop in people who overpronate when walking or running. Overpronating involves the feet rolling inward. This motion tends to put tension on the plantar fascia tissues, which causes them to stretch too much and become inflamed.
 

Treating Heel Pain

There are several options for treating heel pain. Dr. Anderson can discuss various options and develop an effective treatment plan for you. In Norfolk, heel pain can be treated through the following methods:

• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotic foot supports
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Surgery

Do not ignore your heel pain. Depending on the cause, heel pain will not necessarily go away on its own. Treatment can alleviate the pain and address the cause so the condition does not worsen. For the treatment of heel pain in Norfolk, PA, schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson by calling AAL Podiatry Associates at (757) 625-2962. For the Suffolk, VA, office, call (757) 539-2098.