Are You Dealing with Heel Pain?
Heel pain can start out as an occasional annoyance. It can also turn into chronic, stabbing pain which can keep you from staying active and mobile. Our podiatrist can help you get relief from heel pain. Drs. Peter and Casey Fillerup at Foot & Ankle Center of The Central Coast, in Santa Maria, CA, provide a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of heel pain.
What You Need To Know About Heel Pain
Heel pain can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:
- A heel bruise, caused by stepping on sharp or hard objects
- A heel spur, caused by excess deposits of calcium on your heel
- Plantar fasciitis, is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running across your heel
- Medical conditions affecting your feet including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis
For mild, occasional heel pain, you can try:
- Stretching your arches several times daily
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Resting and taking the weight off your feet
For moderate to severe, chronic heel pain, it’s best to see your podiatrist, who has several ways to treat heel pain.
If you have heel pain from a heel bruise or heel spur, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Orthotics to cushion your feet
- Shock wave therapy to break up hard deposits on your heel
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
If you have heel pain from plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Orthotics to correct a gait issue like overpronation
- Corticosteroid injections on your heel to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
If you have heel pain from a medical condition, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Treatment of the underlying medical condition to reduce heel pain
- Orthotics to reduce foot stress and pain
- Physical therapy and stretches to increase flexibility
Want To Know More?
To learn more about the causes and treatments of heel pain, call Drs. Peter and Casey Fillerup at Foot & Ankle Center f The Central Coast, in Santa Maria, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (805) 934-0570, so call today.