Dr. James Kent and Dr. Hyun Young Kho are here for you at East Texas Foot & Ankle Center if you are dealing with heel pain in Tyler, TX. Your feet take a lot of impacts every day and heel pain is common, but can usually be helped with some conservative, at-home treatments. Keep reading for tips on treating heel pain and come see us if you are still in pain.
Heel Pain
The plantar fascia is a thick band of muscle that runs along the sole of the foot. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis occurs when this becomes inflamed. The pain is usually worse when you first wake up or first start moving after a period of inactivity. This can be common from overuse and is common in people who spend all day on their feet. If you have other foot issues like high arches or flat feet you'll be more prone to heel pain. Being overweight or obese also increases your risk for heel pain.
Treating heel pain
When you have heel pain in Tyler, TX, your podiatrist may recommend any of the following at-home treatments:
- Change your footwear to supportive shoes with room for your toes to wiggle
- Wear foot orthotics in your shoes
- Wear splints that stretch your feet overnight
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot
- Icing the foot 15 to 20 minutes at a time
Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve your pain by reducing inflammation but shouldn't be your primary treatment for pain.
When to see a doctor
You should always see your podiatrist if you are concerned about any pain in your foot. If you are in pain you may be overcompensating while you walk and injuring yourself more! When heel pain persists after using remedies like orthotics you want to call your podiatrist at East Texas Foot & Ankle Center. Dr. James Kent and Dr. Hyun Young Kho treat heel pain in Tyler, TX. Contact us for an appointment at (903) 939-3668.