It’s easy to overlook just how important your heels are in your daily life – until they become a source of pain. Heel pain can put you on the sidelines, making it hard to stand or walk throughout your day. Heel pain may come on suddenly, but often. it sneaks up on patients gradually. The earlier you determine what’s causing your heel pain and seek treatment, the easier your treatment process is likely to be. If you’re experiencing even mild discomfort in your heel, don’t ignore it. It’s important to consult with a podiatrist and develop a plan of action as soon as possible. The team at Best Foot Doctor NY can help patients in Queens, NYC, and the surrounding areas get relief from heel pain.
The first step is determining what’s causing the problem in the first place. Keep reading to learn about several common reasons for the pain in many patients’ heels. You’ll also learn how your NYC podiatrist at Best Foot Doctor NY can help you get lasting relief.
Common Causes of Heel Pain in NYC
Patients with foot pain often struggle to pinpoint where it all began. While there can sometimes be an obvious reason behind your pain, in other cases, you’ll need to dig a bit below the surface. These are just a few of the common culprits:
- Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of your feet
- Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of your Achilles tendon
- Heel spurs, or small deposits of calcium on the bottom of your heel bone
- Corns or calluses that develop on the outer surface of your feet
To determine what’s behind your heel issues, it’s best to see a podiatrist for foot pain so you can get thorough diagnostic care. At Best Foot Doctor NY, your podiatrist will investigate your medical history and the anatomy of your foot, taking the time to accurately pinpoint the culprit behind your pain.
Can I Prevent Heel Pain From Starting in the First Place?
Unfortunately, some patients are predisposed to experience heel pain due to foot shape or genetics. However, there are common sense steps that everyone can take to reduce their risk.
Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Excess weight increases stress on your heel bone and other structures in your feet. Among the many other benefits of maintaining a healthy weight, you may find that it supports comfort and mobility in your feet.
Wearing Comfortable Shoes That Fit Well
Wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes can lead to preventable heel issues. If you must wear high heels, it’s best to wear them only for short periods. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, bring flatter, more supportive shoes to change into. Also, before buying a pair of shoes, pinch the toe area to ensure there’s enough wiggle room on either side of your foot.
Paying Attention to Your Body’s Signals
When patients suddenly engage in more high-impact exercise than usual, they may damage their feet and cause heel pain to develop. If you begin walking, standing, or running more than usual, pay attention to how your feet feel. Fatigue, discomfort, or pain are probably signs that you should sit down for a while and give your feet a chance to rest.
How Will a Foot Doctor Treat My Heel Pain? | Queens, NYC
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your heel pain, but you should always expect thorough, compassionate care. While there are plenty of local foot doctors in Queens, NYC, Best Foot Doctor NY has a reputation for putting our patients’ comfort first. Our team is skilled in up-to-date techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, so we can help you maximize your recovery speed and minimize your discomfort. Let’s take a look at a few treatments your NYC podiatrist may recommend.
#1: Your Podiatrist May Recommend Conservative Treatment Options First
The goal of your treatment should be to eliminate your pain in the least invasive manner possible. Your podiatrist might ask you to start with at-home treatments and recommend specific options. In some cases, treatments like shoe inserts, stretching exercises, lifestyle changes, or night splints may provide effective relief. Interventions such as callus and corn treatments can be relatively simple but provide significant results.
#2: Your Podiatrist May Suggest Physical Therapy to Improve Your Pain Levels
Physical therapy can often support the treatments your podiatrist can offer for heel pain. A good therapist can help you restore strength, mobility, and flexibility to your feet, making standing and walking less painful.
#3: Your Podiatrist Might Recommend Surgical Treatment for Your Heel Pain
In some cases, heel pain requires surgical intervention to be fully resolved. When you pursue treatment at Best Foot Doctor NY, you may find that your procedure is more comfortable and your recovery process is faster and easier than you expected. Minimally invasive surgical techniques allow us to deliver an exceptional patient experience at every step of the way.
Heel Pain? Visit Best Foot Doctor NY Today | Queens, NYC
The doctors at Best Foot Doctor NY are ready to help you start your journey towards a pain-free life. Take your first step and schedule an appointment today in one of our convenient locations in Queens and the NYC area.