ABOUT US |
LOCATIONS |
OUR STAFF |
CALL TODAY: 972-712-7773
|
Heel pain can be caused by a number of underlying problems with your feet or ankles, including:
Heel pain typically increases when you try to bear weight on the affected foot and can worsen over time, leading to pain that radiates up the leg or into the arch of the foot. Certain conditions, like stress fractures or Achilles tendinitis, can worsen without proper treatment.
Although heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, most cases are linked to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Inflammation to your plantar fascia can cause sharp, stabbing heel pain that’s often triggered by long periods of sitting, standing, or walking. Some patients have reported experiencing a burning sensation or tingling along the heel and arch of the foot.
If you experience heel pain, our foot and ankle specialists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney can determine the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan that will help find relief from your heel pain.
Before beginning treatment, your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Understanding the underlying cause of your heel pain is key to a successful treatment plan that will give you relief from your heel pain. In addition, your podiatrist will perform a thorough physical exam to check for signs of inflammation, such as redness, tenderness, and swelling, of your heel.
Your podiatrist may also conduct a neurological exam to assess your reflexes and sensation in the heel. This can help rule out any nerve or nerve-related conditions that may be causing your heel pain. In some cases, further tests are required and your doctor will conduct imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to check for the presence of heel spurs, stress fractures, and other abnormalities.
After you are given a diagnosis, your doctor will create an individualized treatment plan for your heel pain. Your plan will address any underlying issues and help you find ways to relieve your heel pain.
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of your heel pain. If you’re experiencing mild or early signs of heel pain, your doctor may recommend stretching exercises or anti-inflammatory medication.
If your condition doesn’t improve, your doctor may suggest additional conservative treatments, such as:
In very severe cases, you may need surgery to effectively relieve your heel pain. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our podiatrists will work with you to find the right solution to your heel pain. To find out more about your treatment options, book your appointment today.