Many New Yorkers of all ages and genders will experience heel pain throughout their lives. There are several different reasons you may experience pain in your heels, including, but not limited to:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Stress fractures
- Bone spurs
- Inflammation
While most heel conditions can improve over time if cared for properly, you should get a medical diagnosis for your heel pain. Untreated heel pain tends to worsen and can cause other health issues if left alone. Best Foot Doctor is a podiatrist serving the NYC area, including Manhattan and Queens. If you are concerned about your heel pain, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Pain in My Heels?
Depending on the symptoms and severity of your heel pain, you may be able to start treating your heel pain at home while waiting for your podiatrist appointment. The following four conditions may be causing or helping to cause your heel pain.
- Bruises – stepping on a hard or protruding object can bruise the heel muscles, causing pain when pressure is applied (such as while walking).
- Stress fractures – like a bruise, stress fractures may not be evident from the outside but can cause considerable pain in the heel. A podiatrist can identify if you have a stress fracture in your heel.
- Heel spurs – bony overgrowths in the foot from plantar fasciitis can cause pain.
- Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, especially in active individuals or athletes who run and jump. When the tissues that run along the bottom of the foot are torn (or just stretched), this can cause considerable pain in the heel.
It is difficult to identify the exact cause of your heel pain on your own. The best thing you can do for your overall foot health is to make an appointment with your podiatrist. Their experienced staff will be able to help create a treatment plan for your heel pain.
How Is Heel Pain Treated?
If you have not had a diagnosis for your heel pain, it can be challenging to improve your condition. However, once your podiatrist has determined the cause of your heel pain, they can prescribe a treatment plan. Here are five common ways that heel pain is treated.
- Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve pain.
- Steroid injections may be an option for plantar fasciitis. This treatment can help to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Your podiatrist may recommend custom or over-the-counter orthotics devices. These inserts can help minimize the pain in your heel when wearing shoes.
- Stretching and physical therapy for your heels can often help reduce pain and encourage healing. Your podiatrist will know the right exercises and stretches you should do based on your diagnosis.
- Wearing a splint or taping your heel with athletic tape can help reduce pain and improve mobility in the long run.
You will generally not need surgery for heel pain, but it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Understanding the underlying cause of your pain is the first step towards relief. Your podiatrist may use X-ray or other imaging options to pinpoint the cause. If you are concerned about heel pain or another foot condition, please give our offices a call and schedule an appointment today.