Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Should you live in or near Laguna Hills, CA, and find yourself suffering from heel pain, contact the Laguna Woods Podiatry Group. Dr. Neda Arjomandi can help. Unfortunately, heel pain is common and can be caused by many different things. The good news is that a variety of treatment options are available.

If you or a loved one are experiencing heel pain, make sure you don’t underestimate it. While such pains may go away on their own, there’s also a risk that they will get worse and your mobility could end up limited. Fortunately, proper medical care can safeguard your health and quality of life.

Causes of Heel Pain and Diagnosis

 There are too many potential causes of heel pain to produce an exhaustive list. However, you’ll find many of the most common causes outlined below. No matter the cause, it’s smart to speak with a foot doctor to address the issues.

• Poor-fitting shoes- If your shoes don’t provide enough support, the bursae in your heels could end up overburdened.
• Sports injuries- Achilles tendon issues are common for athletes. While an active lifestyle is generally a good idea, an overstressed Achilles tendon will tighten and pull on the heel bone.
• Personal injuries- The heel bone is large but not solid. It can easily fracture if a person falls or jumps and lands too hard.
• Plantar fasciitis- Occurs when the plantar fascia, which connects the base of the toes to the heel, is damaged (by overuse, for example).
• Bone spurs- Boney growths caused by calcium deposits that stretch the connecting tissues.

 There are many other potential causes of heel pain. Fortunately, a podiatrist can diagnose the causes. Besides physical inspections, x-rays and similar diagnostic measures may be used to study bones and other tissues. Dr. Arjomandi at the Laguna Woods Podiatry Group in Laguna Hills, CA, can diagnose your heel pain and help pin down the causes.

Treating Heel Pain

 The exact treatment plan prescribed will depend on the specifics of your condition(s) and other factors (such as age, lifestyle, etc.) The good news is that heel pain is often treatable, and you can enjoy an active life with the right approach.

First, you may need to get custom orthotics, meaning devices for the feet, that provide better support. Often, orthotics are inserted into existing shoes. A foot and ankle doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding wearing high heels. You might have to skip long jogs in favor of workouts that are easier on the feet, like swimming.

Surgery may also be needed to remove bone spurs or repair damaged tissues. Other treatments may also be required or suggested. Residents of greater Laguna Hills, CA, can secure heel pain relief by contacting Dr. Arjomandi at the Laguna Woods Podiatry Group by dialing (949) 581-2520.