Heel pain tends to strike when you least expect it. Typically presented as a sharp, searing pain that impacts your ability to stand or walk, the key to treating heel pain is finding the source. Nesha Prasla, DPM, along with the team at Metro Foot and Ankle Specialists in Sugar Land, Texas, work with you to determine the cause of your heel pain and find the best course of treatment to eliminate your discomfort. If you’re experiencing heel pain, call the office or book an appointment online with Metro Foot and Ankle Specialists today.
The two most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, which affects the bottom of the heel, and Achilles tendonitis, which affects the back of the heel. However, there are many other conditions that can cause heel pain, including, but not limited to:
Because there are so many potential causes of heel pain, it’s important to have your heel properly examined and diagnosed. A foot and ankle specialist is needed to identify the underlying cause of your heel pain and the best course of action.
Plantar fasciitis results from the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across your heel, called the plantar fascia. Though it is a common affliction for runners, plantar fasciitis can affect anyone.
Additional causes of plantar fasciitis are overpronation — rolling your foot when you walk — wearing poorly supporting shoes, being overweight, or being older.
If your heel pain is stubborn or severe, Dr. Prasla may recommend treatments such as:
Regardless of the cause of your heel pain, you can also work to alleviate it at home by stretching the arches of your feet and wearing supportive shoes.
Preventing heel pain depends on the cause, but there are some lifestyle changes that can keep plantar fasciitis from recurring. People who are overweight may find relief just from losing a few pounds. Additionally, wearing low, supportive shoes can allow you to distribute the pressure on your foot more easily.
Athletes can add cross-training to give their feet a break, like swimming and biking. Lastly, stretching your feet and calves regularly keeps your muscles from tightening and shortening your plantar fascia.
You don’t have to deal with recurrent heel pain. Dr. Prasla and her team at Metro Foot and Ankle Specialists will identify the source and work with you to find a solution that takes your lifestyle into account. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
