Diagnosing Heel Pain
A consultation with Dr. Bramlett at Mid-State Podiatry Group will help you establish the cause of your heel pain so it can be treated accurately and effectively. Diagnosing heel pain usually requires a physical examination, an evaluation of your medical history, and x-rays to establish a working diagnosis.
Treating Heel Pain
Dr. Bramlett regularly treats patients suffering from heel pain. He focuses on both conservative and surgical options in his treatment plan. A mainstay of treatment is appropriate shoe gear and custom orthotics.
Other treatments for heel pain include:
• Steroid injections
• Ambulatory cast boots
• Taking a break from activities causing your heel pain
• Implementing an exercise routine that includes stretching and strengthening the muscles in that area of the body
• Wearing the appropriate shoes for your foot type
After an assessment, Dr. Bramlett will recommend a course of treatment 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:
• Plantar fasciitis
• Calcaneal stress fracture
• Foot structure abnormalities
• Poor or improper gait
• The wrong shoes for your foot type
• Walking or standing for long periods of time
• Heel Injuries
• Inflammation
• Certain chronic conditions, including diabetes and arthritis
More often than not, heel pain is attributed to plantar fasciitis, but there are many other reasons 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.
