Understanding the Causes of Heel Pain
Do you suffer from excruciating heel pain? It’s a common problem, and fortunately, your podiatrist can help you get relief. Dr. Barry Schoenberg and Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz at Palisades Podiatry Associates offer comprehensive foot and ankle services, including diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. They have two convenient office locations in Pomona, and Tappan, NY.
What You Need To Know About Heel Pain
Heel pain can develop suddenly, or it can get gradually worse over time, developing into a chronic condition. Heel pain can be caused by a few factors. You can develop heel pain if you:
- Step on sharp or hard objects, causing a heel bruise
- Form hard deposits of calcium on your heel, causing a heel spur
- Have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis
The most common cause of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. You have plantar fasciitis when the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue on your heel, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by:
- Overpronation, or rolling your feet when you walk
- Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods
- Running, jogging, or doing other activities which have a high degree of foot stress
For mild heel pain, you can try:
- Taking over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Elevating your feet to take the stress off your heels
For moderate to severe heel pain, you should seek out the help of your podiatrist. Common treatments for heel pain include:
- Custom-fit orthotics, to cushion and support your feet and heels
- Physical therapy, to maintain foot and arch flexibility
- Night splints, to maintain proper foot alignment
- Cortisone injections, to decrease 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 find out more about the causes and treatment of heel pain, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Barry Schoenberg and Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz at Palisades Podiatry Associates. You can reach them in Pomona, NY, by calling (845) 362-0100, or in Tappan, NY, by calling (845) 359-1200, so call today.