The Possible Sources of Your Heel Pain

The Possible Sources of Your Heel Pain

When your feet are causing you pain, simply standing can be excruciating, not to mention walking, running or other physical activities. Many of us experience heel pain at one time or another, but when the discomfort is prolonged it may be time to see your podiatrist.

Dr. Jimmy Gregory, with offices in Atlanta and Decatur, can help determine the cause of your heel pain and offer remedies that will have you back on your feet and feeling good.

What can cause heel pain?

Heel pain is caused when the plantar fascia, a thick tissue which connects your heel bone to your toes, is inflamed and irritated. Signs of heel pain include swelling or stiffness in your heel, pain on the underside of your foot, pain that is more intense in the morning, or pain that increases when standing or carrying heavy objects.

The pain could be the result of many factors, including:

• Standing for prolonged periods of time
• Being overweight or obese
• Having tight calf muscles
• Having high arches or flat feet
• Doing exercise, like running and jumping, which puts repeated pressure on your feet
• Wearing unsupportive, ill fitting or high heeled shoes

What can my podiatrist do to help with my heel pain?

Your podiatrist will examine your feet, ask about your physical activity and inquire about your symptoms to help determine the best course of action for treating your foot pain.

Your podiatrist may recommend one or more of the following:

• Icing the heel of your foot
• Wearing well fitting, supportive shoes or using insoles
• Physical therapy
• A cortisone injection
• Wearing a splint or brace at night
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Switching to a low pressure exercise routine
• Taking an over the counter pain reliever
• Stretching your arches

If these methods do not provide relief, your podiatrist at our Atlanta or Decatur office may advise surgery to detach the plantar fascia to the heel bone.

Don't let heel pain keep you from the activities you love. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at our Atlanta, GA, office at (404) 755-2291 or our Decatur, GA, office at (404) 284-7744.