Discover strategies and ways to treat your heel pain effectively.
If you feel like you’re constantly on the move, chances are good that your feet are working hard to support you. So it’s not surprising when your heels start to feel achy, sore or even painful. It’s important to slow down and determine if your foot pain requires turning to our Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Silver Spring, MD, podiatrists for care. While minor, fleeting heel pain can often be addressed at home, it’s important to recognize the signs that it’s time to see a doctor.
What is causing my heel pain?
Heel pain is usually the result of an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which causes swelling and inflammation within the foot. These conditions are most common in runners and athletes, but plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis can happen to anyone.
How can I treat my heel pain?
Most healthy individuals can manage their heel pain on their own by resting, icing and avoiding high-impact activities that will only exacerbate their symptoms. You may also take anti-inflammatory medications to help ease pain and swelling when they are at their worst.
When should I see a doctor about my heel pain?
There comes a time when you need to accept that self-care isn’t enough to get your symptoms under control. It’s a good idea to turn to a podiatrist if you,
- Experience heel pain even when resting or sitting down
- Can’t put weight on the foot and have trouble walking
- Can’t bend your foot downward or stand up on your tiptoes
- Have significant swelling in or around the heel
- Notice tingling or numbness in the heel
How can a podiatrist treat my heel pain?
Our Clinton, MD, foot doctors have treated many stubborn and chronic heel pain cases. The goal is to provide conservative treatment options that aggressively target symptoms and help facilitate faster healing. Some of these treatment options include,
- Bracing or splinting the foot
- Prescription-strength pain medications
- Custom orthotics
- Special stretching and strengthening exercises
- Corticosteroid injections
Along with traditional heel pain treatments, there are also advanced treatment options such as laser therapy, shockwave therapy and surgery, when needed. These are often recommended when more conservative measures haven’t worked.
Don’t let heel pain keep you from the daily activities you enjoy. If pain worsens or becomes persistent, our Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Silver Spring, MD, team of knowledgeable podiatrists is here to help. Call Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland today to schedule an appointment.
Olney, MD: (301) 924-5044
Silver Spring, MD: (301) 439-0300
Camp Springs/Clinton, MD: (301) 868-7670
Kensington, MD: (301) 942-8110
or for our offices in Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD: (301) 317-6800