Heel pain can keep you from enjoying your life, staying active, and getting through your day. Heel pain is a common foot problem, and our podiatrist can help. Drs. John Sigle, Grant Gonzalez, and Keith Beauchamp at Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois provide a wide range of foot and ankle services, including treatment of heel pain. They have four convenient office locations in Springfield, Decatur, Shelbyville, and Carlinville, IL.
What You Need To Know About Heel Pain
You can develop heel pain for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of heel pain are:
- A heel bruise, caused by stepping on hard, sharp objects
- A heel spur, caused by excess calcium deposits
- Plantar fasciitis, which is Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue on your heel
You can develop plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, due to:
- Overpronation, or rolling your feet when you walk
- Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods
- Running, jogging, or other activities with a high amount of foot stress
For mild, occasional heel pain, you can try a few simple tips to get relief. You should:
- Do arch stretches several times daily to reduce stiffness and maintain flexibility
- Elevate your feet whenever possible, to relieve pressure on your feet
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation
- Wear supportive, comfortable shoes to support your heels and relieve foot stress
For moderate to severe heel pain or heel pain that is getting worse, it’s best to visit your podiatrist. Effective professional treatments for heel pain include:
- Custom-made orthotics and footwear to support your heels and feet
- Physical therapy and stretching to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications to limit swelling and inflammation
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy to break up hard deposits on your heel
Want To Know More?
To find out more about prevention, causes, and treatment of heel pain, call Drs. John Sigle, Grant Gonzalez, and Keith Beauchamp at Foot & Ankle Center Of Illinois. You can reach them in any of their Springfield, Decatur, Shelbyville, or Carlinville, IL, locations by calling (217) 787-2700, so call today.