Heel pain is a very common complaint for people of all ages, but it tends to become more problematic as people age and as there is more natural wear and tear on the structures of the foot. Heel pain treatment is available from podiatrist and surgeons who can address structural malformations or treat the conditions using non-surgical treatment options.
The key with effective heel pain treatment, as with any medical condition, is to determine just what the root cause of the pain is and provide specialized treatment to address those issues.
Too often people try just to suffer through heel pain, or use over-the-counter pain medications to relieve the discomfort, but they do not find the actual cause. Over time, this practice can lead to further damage to the structure of the foot that may make corrective treatment more difficult.
Correct Identification of the Source
Early diagnosis and identification of the source or the issues behind the pain the patient is experiencing are the most important aspect of treatment. This is where a podiatrist has the advantage as he or she has the training and the experience to pinpoint the cause and then design a treatment.
Common issues that can cause heel pain includes plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, fractures of the ankle bone, tendonitis, structural malformations of the foot or degeneration of the heel bone through specific diseases. Injury or trauma or even gait issues can also contribute to heel pain.
Non-Surgical Treatments
With early heel pain treatment, there may be a range of different non-surgical treatment options. This can include the use of anti-inflammatories and physical therapy, the use of specially designed custom orthotics, changing from high heels to flatter shoes with more arch support, and even exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons of the foot and lower leg.
Surgical Options
When non-surgical heel pain treatment is not effective, of if there is a structural problem with the heel, foot or ankle that is causing the pain, surgical procedures to reconstruct the joint or correct the alignment of the ankle and foot can be completed.
Typically surgical heel pain treatment is very effective, but it may have a relatively long recovery time compared to other treatment options. In most cases, the patient will have to remain off the foot for a few weeks, with full recovery taking several months to up to a year.
If you are dealing with heel pain, contact Suburban Orthopaedics today. You can also learn more about our heel pain treatment options at www.suburbanortho.com. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates!
