Common Causes of Heel Pain

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Do you suffer from chronic heel pain? Is your life impacted by heel pain? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to seek out the help of your podiatrist. Dr. Tina Boucher at Central Connecticut Foot Care Center in Meriden, CT, offers a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of heel pain.

What You Need To Know About Heel Pain

Some of the most common causes of heel pain are:

• A heel bruise, which can be caused by stepping on hard or sharp stones
• A heel spur, which can be caused by hard deposits forming on your heel
• A chronic medical condition, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a frequent issue affecting runners, joggers, and others who experience excessive foot stress. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by:

• Overpronation, or rolling your feet when you walk
• Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time
• Carrying excessive weight or having flat feet
• Wearing worn-out shoes that don’t support your feet

For mild, occasional heel pain, you may get some relief if you try:

• Taking over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication
• Elevating your feet to take the weight off your feet and heels

For moderate to severe heel pain, you need to visit your podiatrist, who has several treatment options to help you. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Custom-fit orthotics, to provide support and cushion your heels
• Physical therapy, to promote flexibility and help with mobility
• Night splints, to maintain proper foot alignment to take stress off your heels
• Cortisone injections, to decrease heel swelling
• Prescription medication, to decrease inflammation and pain
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) to break up hard deposits on your heel

Want To Know More?

To learn more about the causes and treatments of heel pain, call Dr. Boucher at Central Connecticut Foot Care Center in Meriden, CT. You can reach her in the office by calling (203) 238-3668, so call today.