What Causes a Painful Heel?

What Causes a Painful Heel?

posted: Jan. 10, 2022.

How your podiatrists in Sterling, and Alexandria, VA, can help when you have heel pain

Runners and joggers are at high risk of developing heel pain, but you can be a couch potato and still develop heel pain. The good news is, your podiatrist has several effective treatments to help you get relief from heel pain.

Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry, offer comprehensive foot care, including treatment of heel pain. They have two convenient office locations in Sterling, and Alexandria, VA, to help you and your feet.

So, what causes a painful heel? It turns out, there are several ways you can develop heel pain, including:

  • Stepping on sharp or hard stones, which can cause a heel bruise
  • Excess deposits of calcium, which can cause a heel spur
  • Plantar fasciitis, which can cause inflammation around your heel

You are at greater risk of developing heel pain if you:

  • Carry excess weight
  • Are flat footed
  • Stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods
  • Run, jog, or do other activities which can cause foot stress

There are several ways you can help prevent heel pain, including:

  • Avoiding walking around barefoot
  • Wearing cushioned shoes which are appropriate to what you are doing
  • Wearing heel wedges or cushions inside your shoes
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent foot stress
  • Gently stretching your arches several times each day

For mild heel pain, you can try some simple tips like these to get relief:

  • Placing an ice pack on your heel for 15 minutes several times each day
  • Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
  • Resting and elevating your feet to relieve foot stress and pressure

Moderate to severe heel pain should be treated by your podiatrist, who may recommend:

  • Custom-made orthotics or footwear
  • Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy and stretching
  • Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT)

To learn more about the causes and treatment of heel pain, call Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry. You can reach them at both locations, in Sterling, and in Alexandria, VA, by calling (703) 823-2357, so call now.

Tags: Heel Pain