It's hard to fix a problem if you don't know what's causing it, whether the issue is a strange noise in your car's engine or heel pain. Fortunately, your Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, and Kensington, MD, podiatrists, Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, and Dr. Adam Lowy of Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland can get to the bottom of your pain and offer treatments that will help you feel better.
4 common causes of heel pain
Heel pain can be caused by:
- A Stone Bruise: The fat pad under your heel can become bruised if you step on a hard object or work out wearing shoes that don't provide enough cushioning. Stone bruises usually go away on their own, although adding a heel cup to your shoe can be helpful while your bruise heals.
- Plantar Fasciitis: One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when a band of connective tissue underneath your foot becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning or after you've been relaxing for a while. Your podiatrist can offer several treatment options, such as a night splint, physical therapy, orthotics (prescription shoe inserts), corticosteroid injections, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
- Heel spurs: Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the bottom of your heel. They can occur if you've had plantar fasciitis, but may also be caused by wearing shoes that don't fit well, running on hard surfaces, excess weight, or a gait issue. Treatment for heel spurs includes orthotics, pain relievers, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or night splints.
- Achilles tendonitis: An inflammation in the thin tendon at the back of your heel may also be responsible for your pain. If your inflammation is mild, buying anti-inflammatories at an Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, and Kensington store can be helpful, as can stretching exercises, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, heel wedges and cups, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Surgery may be recommended if your pain doesn't improve after six or months of treatment.
Are you struggling with heel pain? Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, and Dr. Adam Lowy, your podiatrists in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, and Kensington, MD, can ease your pain. Schedule an appointment with one of the foot doctors at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland by calling (301) 924-5044 for the Olney office, (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs/Clinton office, (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring offices, or (301) 942-8110 for the Kensington office.