Heel pain can be debilitating if left untreated. Fortunately, there a variety of ways that an experienced podiatrist can treat heel pain. Understanding where heel pain comes from and how it can be managed can help you live a better life. Here is some helpful information about heel pain, including its possible causes and treatments:

Causes:

Achilles Tendinitis – Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. In the case of Achilles tendinitis, the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone is the source of inflammation and discomfort. High-impact physical activities such as running or tennis are leading causes for tendinitis.

Excessive Pronation – Pronation is your foot’s way of adapting to uneven surfaces or terrain while walking. Excessive pronation occurs when the foot turns too far inward and causes unnecessary stress throughout your foot and even in your legs, hips, and knees.

Heel Spurs – Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up under the heel bone as a result of inflammation. Heel spurs often develop in conjunction with plantar fasciitis, and are often associated with overuse or injury.

Treatments:

Cortisone – Cortisone injections are used to treat heel pain associated with injury, strain, and tendinitis. The number of injections a patient requires varies depending on the cause of heel pain and his or her responsiveness to the treatment.

Physical Therapy – Physical therapy includes stretching and exercises designed to increase mobility and flexibility. Physical therapy has proven to be effective for a variety of podiatric conditions and is a particularly helpful treatment for heel pain.

Surgery – In rare cases, surgery may be the best option for eliminating heel pain. If you suffer from a severe structural problem or are completely unresponsive to other forms of treatment, surgery may be appropriate.

If you suffer from heel pain or another painful foot condition, such as ingrown toenails, bunions, or plantar warts, call Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555. At Family Foot Center, we pride ourselves on providing the best quality of care to patients suffering from foot and leg pain. Call us today to learn more.

Orthotics are custom-made arch supports and are an effective treatment for different types of foot pain. Orthotics can provide additional support and stability for individuals with biomechanical inadequacies in their feet and legs. While over-the-counter orthotic devices are available, severe leg or foot pain is usually best corrected with prescription orthotic supports. Consult with your podiatrist and keep reading to find out if you should consider getting orthotics.

You Experience Foot or Leg Pain after Exercise: Muscular soreness after an intense workout or athletic competition is not out of the ordinary. Pain in your joints, knees, or lower back may indicate that something is wrong. Functional orthotics are rigid, supportive devices which provide shock absorption and prevent over-pronation. In addition to reducing joint pain, they can also help prevent sprains and hyperextension.

You Have Difficulty Wearing Shoes Comfortably: If your feet are irregularly shaped, it can not only make finding a comfortable pair of shoes more difficult, but it can also lead to painful problems with your feet and legs. Orthotics can be used to create a better-fitting shoe for your feet, and ultimately reduce pain or stress associated with an imbalanced gait or improperly aligned foot.

You Are Bothered by Constant Calluses or Foot Ulcers: Accommodative orthotics are perfect for alleviating minor pain associated with foot ulcers, calluses, or bunions. These orthotics are soft and cushioned to make everyday activities like walking more comfortable, even with troublesome foot sores.

You Find it Difficult to Walk, Run, or Stand Up without Foot Pain: If you experience chronic foot or leg pain associated with everyday activities, it is likely an indication that you suffer from some sort of structural or biomechanical problem. Orthotics can compensate for imbalanced movement and irregular foot structure. With a prescription orthotic, walking and standing can be completely painless.

If you need custom-made orthotics or any other form of foot care, then call Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555. We offer over 23 years of experience in treating heel and leg pain as well as plantar warts and other podiatric problems.

With proper hygiene and the right foot wear, your feet will stay feeling and looking great. To learn more about caring for your feet, explore the resources below:

• Read this helpful Web MD article to learn about shoes that are bad for feet.
• Learn about choosing athletic shoes at AAPSM.org.
• Explore some common athletic foot injuries and learn how to prevent them at Medscape.com.
• Get the scoop on heel pain at Foot.com. If you experience heel pain, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.
• Learn about hammertoes, including what they look like and what causes them, in this comprehensive Mayo Clinic article.

Contact Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555 for more information on foot ailments and care.

Shoes should be chosen not only for their appearance, but also for how they make your feet feel. Ingrown toenails and heel pain are some of the conditions that often result from shoes that are the wrong size or shape. At your next appointment with your podiatrist, ask the following questions about your shoes—your feet will thank you for it.

• Are My Shoes Right For My Lifestyle?

Whether you are an avid runner or a stay-at-home mom, finding the right pair of shoes for your lifestyle is important. People who do a lot of standing all day should wear comfortable shoes that provide a lot of support, since uncomfortable shoes may cause foot pain. In contrast, people who walk, run, jog, or play sports need to wear shoes appropriate for those activities. Make an appointment with your podiatrist and ask about what shoes will work best for your lifestyle.

• Are There Any Shoes That I Should Avoid Wearing?

Some shoes can be detrimental to the overall health of your feet. Flip flops, high heels, flat-style shoes, and shoes with pointed toes are generally not good for feet because they do not provide the right support and can cause unwanted conditions, such as hammertoes and bunions. Before you buy your next pair of shoes, consult your podiatrist about shoe types and the health of your feet.

• Which Shoes Are Best For My Foot Type?

Some feet are flat, others have high-arches, and all come in different sizes. When buying shoes, you should look at how well the shoes will fit your foot type. If you have wide feet, select shoes that aren’t too narrow. Similarly, if your feet are flat or have a high-arch, you need to buy shoes that comfortably support those conditions. Talk to your podiatrist about what type of feet you have and ask for shoe recommendations.

Finding the right pair of shoes can result in healthier, better-feeling feet. For more information on selecting shoes and other foot health topics, contact Dr. Stanley J. Zawada at Family Foot Center. Call (718) 767-5555 today.