If you’re one of the two million-plus adults with heel pain, you understand how debilitating it can be. At Landmark Foot and Ankle Center, highly experienced podiatry specialists Philip Garrett, DPM, and Dong Kim, DPM, offer cutting-edge heel pain treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and laser therapy. Call the Alexandria, Virginia, office or use the online scheduling tool to arrange your appointment now.

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What causes heel pain?

Heel pain can cover a big part of your foot — from the top back part of your heel to the sides and bottom of your heel, up to the arch. Because the exact location can vary so much, it’s no surprise that the cause of heel pain can also vary quite a bit from one person to another. Some common causes of heel pain include:

  • Plantar fasciitis – plantar fascia ligament inflammation
  • Arthritis – joint damage
  • Achilles tendonitis – inflamed Achilles tendon
  • Fractures – bone breaks caused by stress or trauma
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome – pinched posterior tibial nerve
  • Haglund’s deformity – calcaneus bone enlargement

Heel pain may also happen with other conditions, and it may be a side effect of structural abnormalities like flat feet or fallen arches.

The Landmark Foot and Ankle Center specialists are heel pain experts who can quickly find and resolve your pain.

When do I need to see a doctor for heel pain?

When your heel pain causes problems walking, or if you have to change your activities due to the pain, you need podiatric treatment. You might think that you can cope with occasional heel pain on your own — but, unfortunately, that heel pain almost always worsens if you don’t identify and treat the root issue.

By seeing a podiatrist when your heel pain first starts, you can avoid worsening pain and get back to your regular activities quickly.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

The Landmark Foot and Ankle Center specialists take a complete medical history, discuss your routine and habits, and perform a careful foot and ankle exam. Depending on the initial findings, your doctor may request X-rays or other forms of imaging to verify the problem. These images can reveal bone damage as well as nerve, ligament, and tendon issues.

What are the different heel pain treatment options?

Landmark Foot and Ankle Center offers many options for heel pain treatment. Treatment may include:

  • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Custom orthotics
  • Foot exercises
  • Shoe change
  • Night splint

If you have severe heel pain that doesn’t respond to initial treatment, you could need surgery. The Landmark Foot and Ankle Center surgeons can repair, realign, replace, and restore both tissue and bone based on your specific needs.

The surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery, which features the fewest and smallest incisions possible, to give you the best surgical outcomes with the quickest return to normal.

Book your appointment by calling Landmark Foot and Ankle Center or clicking the provided link now.