Don’t Wait to Deal with Heels: Four Podiatric Problems
To be frank, time doesn’t heal all wounds. Just ask anyone who’s suffering from heel pain! When it comes to podiatry, waiting for problems to disappear on their own is usually just a quick route toward further complications and greater discomfort.
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help. We’re going to break down some of the most common issues we see patients present with so you’ll know what to watch for. Along the way, we’ll provide a few useful strategies for preventing or managing those problems as well.
How Does it Occur?
Heel pain is a varied and pervasive problem, so it can be difficult to pin down one specific cause. Generally, however, heel pain is the result of an abnormal gait or excess pressure exerted on the heel bone. Sometimes, injury can contribute to heel conditions, and the same can be said of weight issues or poorly fitted shoes.
Here are some of the forms heel pain can take:
- When the tissue along the bottom of your foot becomes overused or otherwise strained, fibers tear and cause inflammation, which then leads to pain and related complications. Hurts more first thing in the morning.
- The dreaded “pump bump.” This condition refers to enlarged bone near the heels, and it is produced by shoe pressure. Needless to say, high heels are contributors to this problem.
Bursitis
- Bursa sacs are sealed sacs of fluid that serve to reduce friction near tendons and large joints. Inflammation of these sacs can seriously hurt.
- These bone protrusions stick out from the bottom of the heel, and they’re typically caused by muscle or ligament rips. They can also stem from the tearing of the membrane covering your heel bone.
What Can I Do?
- Custom orthotics relieve pain and pressure without surgical intervention.
- Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications can keep your swelling down.
- Physical Therapy or securing the foot through taping or strapping can be effective.
- Prolotherapy and PRP injections provide a modern, effective option for management.
Whatever your heel pain problem might be, the best way to resolve it is to make an appointment with Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at our office in Centreville, Virginia. Call (703) 996-3000 or contact us online today!