Heel Pain Explained: From Plantar Fasciitis to Heel Spurs

If you suffer from heel pain, you may be wondering what is causing it. Your podiatrist is an expert at diagnosing the cause of your heel pain and providing treatment so you can get back on your feet. The podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in North Syracuse, NY, provide comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of heel pain.

What You Need To Know About Heel Pain

Heel pain can be excruciating, coming on suddenly. Sharp, stabbing pain can make it difficult to stand and walk. Acute heel pain can be caused by:

• Stepping on sharp objects, causing a heel bruise
• Excess calcium deposits on your heel, causing a heel spur

Heel pain can also develop into a chronic condition over time, causing a dull ache in your heel. Chronic heel pain can be caused by:

• Inflammation of the tissue on your heel, causing plantar fasciitis

There are several factors which increase your risk of developing heel pain, including:

• Being overweight
• Having diabetes
• Having flat feet
• Running or jogging regularly

For occasional mild heel pain, you can try:

• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Placing ice on your heel several times each day
• Elevating your feet to take the weight off of them
• Changing to more appropriate, more supportive shoes

Whatever is causing your heel pain, your podiatrist has several effective treatment options to provide relief. Common treatments for heel pain include:

• Custom-fit orthotics, to support your heels
• Physical therapy and stretching to increase flexibility
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) to break up hard deposits
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to decrease inflammation
• Cortisone injections into your heel to decrease inflammation

Want To Know More About Heel Pain? 

To find out more about the causes and treatment of heel pain, call the podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in North Syracuse, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (315) 458-1777, so call today.