How your podiatrist in Tyler, TX, can help you get relief from heel pain
Heel pain is a common foot problem your podiatrist can treat. If you are suffering from heel pain that doesn’t resolve, it’s time to see your podiatrist. Dr. James Kent at East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers in Tyler, TX, provides comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of heel pain.
There are several causes of heel pain, including:
- Stepping on sharp or hard objects can lead to a heel bruise
- Calcium deposits develop on your heel, which can lead to a heel spur
- Inflammation of your heel tissue, causing a condition known as plantar fasciitis
There are also a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing heel pain. You are at increased risk of heel pain if you:
- Have flat feet
- Have diabetes
- Wear worn-out shoes with no support
- Are a jogger or a runner
- Perform activities that lead to high foot stress
- Stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time
For mild heel pain, you can try a few simple home remedies like these:
- Placing an ice pack on your heel several times each day
- Taking over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Elevating your feet to take pressure off your heels
For moderate to severe heel pain, it’s best to visit your podiatrist, who is an expert at diagnosing the cause of your heel pain. Depending on the cause of your heel pain, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Custom-fit orthotics, to provide support to your feet and heels
- Physical therapy, to keep you flexible and mobile
- Night splints, to realign your feet
- Cortisone injections, to decrease pain and swelling
- Prescription medication, to decrease inflammation and pain
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT), to break up hard deposits on your heel
Don’t let heel pain interrupt your life when relief is just a phone call away. To learn more about the causes and treatment for heel pain, call Dr. James Kent at East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers in Tyler, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (903) 939-3668, so call today.