Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care
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Heel Pain

Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Wound Care Specialist located in Watauga, TX

Heel Pain
Heel Pain services offered in Watauga, TX

If you have heel pain and it affects your quality of life, help is available at Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care in Watauga, Texas. Experienced podiatrist Daniel Cairns, DPM, finds the root cause of your discomfort and offers conservative or surgical heel pain treatments to get you back on your feet. To see how you can benefit from expert podiatry care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

Heel Pain Q & A

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is a common issue that can cause debilitating problems when left untreated. Pinpointing its cause and taking preventive measures is the best way to reduce pain and the risk of heel discomfort returning in the future. Dr. Cairns is highly trained in treating foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain and its usual causes.

What are the symptoms of heel pain?

Heel pain may appear as:

  • Tenderness
  • Extreme pain
  • Pain with exercise
  • Bony heel growths
  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Discoloration
  • Stiffness 
  • Swelling
  • Pain after sitting or standing

The discomfort you feel can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, move around, and complete everyday tasks. Heel pain may prevent you from living your best life and lead to weight gain because of a sedentary lifestyle. You should seek Dr. Cairns at the first sign of a problem. 

What can cause heel pain?

The causes and risk factors associated with heel pain include:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Stress fractures
  • Bone spurs
  • Sever’s disease in children
  • Haglund’s deformity 
  • Bursitis
  • Inflamed tendons
  • Bone bruises

Achilles tendonitis can cause tearing or rupturing when left untreated, which may require surgery to repair.

What are the risk factors for heel pain?

More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from heel pain yearly, and it affects people of all ages. Common risk factors include excessive exercise, improper foot mechanics, and having an abnormal foot structure. 

Additional risks include being overweight, having foot and ankle arthritis, and being born with high arches or flat feet. Wearing improperly-fitted footwear and spending a lot of time standing can also cause heel discomfort.

Preventive measures include wearing comfortable shoes, warming up and stretching properly, not overtraining, and switching to lower-impact activities if you begin to feel heel discomfort.

How is the cause of heel pain diagnosed?

Dr. Cairns diagnoses heel pain after discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. He examines your feet and ankles during a physical exam and may order X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort. 

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment for heel pain depends on its cause and may include corticosteroid injections, physical therapy referrals, medications, wearing orthotic devices, and completing stretching exercises. Athletic taping or medical taping can help too. Ice the area if needed, wear comfortable footwear, and avoid overtraining to prevent future problems. Surgery, while rarely needed, is also an option.

To find relief from heel pain with the help of Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.