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Podiatrist Advice on When to Take Action Against Heel Pain

Mar 25, 2016
The American Podiatric Medical Association has reported that over 77% of American adults suffer from heel pain, yet many people never address the initial warning signs.

What to Do When You Feel the Pain: Richardson, Garland and Dallas Podiatrist Advice on When to Take Action Against Heel Pain

What's New

The American Podiatric Medical Association has reported that over 77% of American adults suffer from heel pain, yet many people never address the initial warning signs. Less than half of that percentage of people will act on these signs and visit our Richardson, Garland, and Dallas podiatrist, let alone any other foot specialist. Foot pain, whether chronic or sporadic, is never a common thing, and should you experience such pain, there are many methods you can use on your own to help fast track your feet back onto the path of comfort.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

The most common type of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which includes symptoms such as pain and inflammation at the bottom of the heel. Fear not, as there are steps you can take at home to help relieve this pain. The following list is not exhaustive, however, treatments include:

  • Using an ice pack on the sole of the heel to reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Elevating your feet while resting
  • Avoiding walking on uneven surfaces
  • Wearing shoes that fit properly

RETROCALCANEAL BURSITIS

Another common type of heel pain is retrocalcaneal bursitis, which, unlike plantar fasciitis, is identified by pain located at the back of the heel rather than underneath. This type of pain originates from wearing shoes that cut into the back of the heel or simply by overdoing running regimes, which cause the skin to become inflamed, reddened and thickened. Treatments for this type of pain are similar to those for plantar fasciitis and include:

  • Icing the inflamed area
  • Elevating your feet when resting
  • Using a heel insert
  • Stretching the Achilles tendon on your affected foot

WHEN TO SEE A PODIATRIST

You should forgo home treatments and visit your Richardson, Garland, and Dallas podiatrist when the following symptoms are present:

  • The pain in your heel is persistent
  • Unordinary changes occur in the nails or skin such as blisters and thickened toenails
  • When skin begins to crack on the heel of your feet
  • If your heel pain is paired with fever, numbness or tingling
  • If you have any diseases that specifically affect your feet

PERSISTENT PAIN AFTER PREVENTION

Although your feet are literally the farthest part of your body from your mind, it is important to be mindful about the health of your feet, as they are just as important as any other part of your body. If you are past the stage of prevention and are experiencing severe, consistent pain, then contact your Richardson, Garland, or Dallas podiatrist immediately for further treatment.