Diagnosing Heel Pain
A consultation with Dr. Bramlett at the Mid-State Podiatry Group serving Murfreesboro, TN, should help you establish the cause of your heel pain, so it can be treated accurately and effectively. Diagnosing heel pain usually requires a complete physical examination, an evaluation of your medical history, and x-rays to rule out certain conditions and establish a working diagnosis.
Treating Heel Pain
Dr. Bramlett regularly treats patients suffering from heel pain with great success. His training includes reconstructive rearfoot surgery, and he often fabricates custom orthotics such as walking casts, night splints, and other devices. Surgical intervention and/or orthotics can be used to treat heel pain depending on the underlying cause and the severity of your condition.
Other treatments for heel pain include:
- Applying heating pads or ice packs to the affected area
- Analgesics and or anti-inflammatories to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation
- Taking a break from activities causing your heel pain
- Rest
- Implementing an exercise routine that includes stretching and strengthening the muscles in that area of the body
- Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well
- Weight loss
After the assessment, Dr. Bramlett will recommend therapies to effectively deal with your heel pain.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Your foot is the foundation for your entire body, and the heel is an important part of this structure. The heel is a shape-holding cushion of fatty tissue surrounding the heel bone that helps support bodily movement and the pressure of your body weight while protecting the structures of the rear foot including the bone, muscles, and tendons.
Heel pain is a very common complaint, and it may be due to the following:
- Poor or improper gait
- Poorly fitting or tight shoes
- Standing for long periods
- Jumping or running on hard surfaces without suitable protection/padding
- Heel injuries
- Inflammation
- Certain chronic conditions, including diabetes and arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
More often than not, heel pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis, but there are many reasons why you may be experiencing this pain. This is why, if you are experiencing persistent foot pain that is gradually getting worse or not going away, it’s better to consult with a professional like Dr. Bramlett who has 20 years of experience in podiatry.
Contact Us!
Dr. Bramlett at the Mid-State Podiatry Group serving Murfreesboro, TN, is passionate about podiatry and the health of your feet. Don’t let heel pain get you down, call us now at 615-893-4800 to book a consultation.