Experiencing heel pain can affect how you walk and can make simple tasks difficult. It may be challenging to do simple tasks because our feet bear all of our weight and stress from routine activities like walking, climbing stairs, and standing. Anyone suffering from heel pain in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, can seek assistance from a podiatrist who understands the pain you feel and can help you learn how to manage it. The doctors at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland are ready to help you handle your foot pain.
Dealing with Heel Pain
In the beginning, there are several things you can do to help manage your heel pain. Some of the things you can do before reaching out to a foot doctor in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, to help with your heel pain try the following things:
- Rest - limit your activity, including anything that may put pressure on your heels.
- Ice - place ice on the heel for 20-minutes at a time to help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Support your feet - wear shoes with arch and heel support, and avoid walking around barefoot.
- Stretch - do some stretching exercises focused on strengthening your feet and calves.
- Anti-inflammatory medications - consult your physician to see which medications they recommend to help with pain and inflammation.
Additional Heel Pain Management Options
If heel pain does not subside, it is essential to seek treatment from a doctor because leaving the pain untreated could lead to chronic knee, hip, and back issues. When the above at-home methods to help deal with heel pain do not work, several other options are available. The additional options to help manage heel pain include the following:
- Orthotics help the arch and heel, reducing the stress placed on the plantar fascia to help provide comfort to your heel.
- Night splints can help relax and stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep, helping minimize pain when walking.
- Physical therapy helps with stretching and other activities to help manage the pain.
- Cortisone injections are a steroid treatment often suggested based on the severity of the pain.
- A walking cast or brace can help speed the recovery time associated with a heel injury by immobilizing the foot and allowing it to heal.
Those living in the Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD areas can get help with their heel pain by scheduling an appointment at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland. Our podiatrists are ready to help you heal and alleviate your heel pain. Call the office nearest you today to schedule your appointment: Olney - (301) 924-5044; Camp Springs - (301) 868-7670; Silver Spring - (301) 439-0300; Kensington - (301) 942-8110; Laurel - (301) 317-6800; or Maple Lawn - (301) 317-6800.