How To Treat Heel Pain

Our feet feel all of the weight of our entire day. This can expose us to conditions that create heel pain. Medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis will also lead to heel pain. Dr. Jason White of Podiatry Solutions of WNY, helping people out of offices in Lockport, and Williamsville, NY, would like to help you understand and relieve your heel pain.

What Causes Heel Pain?

A few different things can lead to pain. It is important for a doctor to perform an examination in order to determine the cause of our heel pain in order to treat it correctly. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

Overuse/Posture

One of the most common reasons for our feet to hurt is being on them for several hours on a regular basis. This can be aggravated by standing improperly, using poor-fitting footwear, and concrete surfaces.

This can be treated in multiple ways. Most importantly, always wear shoes that are most appropriate for your needs of the situation and that fit properly. Inserts can help offset having to stand for extended periods of time or to make up for less-than-ideal posture. Alternating resting weight on your left and right legs, rather than standing with weight on both the whole time, helps to keep the load from being too much for too long. Rubber mats can reduce the pressure on your feet compared to standing directly on a solid surface such as concrete or rock.

Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is inflammation caused by overexerting the tendon, which is most common among runners and athletes. 

Treatment involves resting the tendon and keeping it elevated. During this time, ice and compression are used to manage the inflammation and pain until relieved.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia stretches across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Overuse or exertion can cause this to become inflamed, leading to a stabbing pain in the foot. Athletics increases the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is treated with massage, ice, therapy, orthotics, and rest. 

Prevention - The Best Treatment for Heel Pain

With almost all foot problems, it is best to make the effort to keep injuries from forming by using proper posture, wearing appropriate footwear, and using inserts if needed.

If someone in Lockport, and Williamsville, NY, is interested in speaking with Dr. Jason White about how to treat heel pain, contact Podiatry Solutions of WNY for a consultation today. For our Williamsville Office, call (716) 634-5993; for our Lockport Office, call (716) 434-6601.